Baldassare Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier offers various opinions on what constitutes the ideal man. The descriptions serve as a paradigm for men of the noble class to emulate. In fact, Castiglione’s work sets the standard for what it meant to be a gentleman. According to him, being an ideal Renaissance man demanded total, conscious effort needed in mastering many traits, all the while making the ownership of these various characteristics seem uncontrived and natural.
Because the political climate shifted toward the secular and away from the dominant influence of the Church, the ideals of manhood were also changing; the knight in shining armor of the medieval world was no longer the ideal. As a result, all the light did not just shine …show more content…
To be an individual was new and wonderful while simultaneously trying to be like the perfect example of an all-around man. It took much work for one to carry the label of a Renaissance man.
Pico, a contemporary of Castiglione, philosophized on free will and human potential. In Oration on the Dignity of Man, Pico wrote:
We have made you a creature neither of heaven, nor of earth, neither mortal nor Immortal, in order that you may, as the free and proud shaper of your own being, fashion yourself in the form you may …show more content…
Also, he must be well-versed in classical education and knowledge of art, music, philosophy, literature, and rhetoric. The courtier must have a pleasing tone and clear voice along with eloquence and composure when conversing. As to the physical, he must be always trained in mind and body in the principle of warfare, being known by others as faithful to whomever he serves. While other physical activities such as dueling, horseback riding, and wrestling were admirable, being ready to bear “arms” was number one. In addition, the courtier was to cultivate quieter and more peaceful pursuits while relishing the companionship of others; he was to never try to become the center of attention. Socially, he possessed refined table manners, danced well but not wildly, and dressed richly and in somber colors. In a larger sense, these courtly duties and graces, Castiglione asserted, were meant for helping the nation. When Castiglione described the Duke of Urbino, we get a glimpse of how much Castiglione admired him because the Duke embodied all the qualities of the ideal nobleman. The elegance at the Duke of Urbino’s palace was a portrait of true refinement, demanding both the expectation and establishment of courtesy and fine manners. (Here
Because the political climate shifted toward the secular and away from the dominant influence of the Church, the ideals of manhood were also changing; the knight in shining armor of the medieval world was no longer the ideal. As a result, all the light did not just shine …show more content…
To be an individual was new and wonderful while simultaneously trying to be like the perfect example of an all-around man. It took much work for one to carry the label of a Renaissance man.
Pico, a contemporary of Castiglione, philosophized on free will and human potential. In Oration on the Dignity of Man, Pico wrote:
We have made you a creature neither of heaven, nor of earth, neither mortal nor Immortal, in order that you may, as the free and proud shaper of your own being, fashion yourself in the form you may …show more content…
Also, he must be well-versed in classical education and knowledge of art, music, philosophy, literature, and rhetoric. The courtier must have a pleasing tone and clear voice along with eloquence and composure when conversing. As to the physical, he must be always trained in mind and body in the principle of warfare, being known by others as faithful to whomever he serves. While other physical activities such as dueling, horseback riding, and wrestling were admirable, being ready to bear “arms” was number one. In addition, the courtier was to cultivate quieter and more peaceful pursuits while relishing the companionship of others; he was to never try to become the center of attention. Socially, he possessed refined table manners, danced well but not wildly, and dressed richly and in somber colors. In a larger sense, these courtly duties and graces, Castiglione asserted, were meant for helping the nation. When Castiglione described the Duke of Urbino, we get a glimpse of how much Castiglione admired him because the Duke embodied all the qualities of the ideal nobleman. The elegance at the Duke of Urbino’s palace was a portrait of true refinement, demanding both the expectation and establishment of courtesy and fine manners. (Here