Der Welsche Gast

Probably the most beautiful specimen of Der Welsche Gast is found in the Gotha Research Library. This poem comprising ca. 15,000 verses was composed by the cleric Thomasin von Zerklaere (1186–1238) ca. 1215/16 and is the oldest book of etiquette in the German language. Divided into ten books, it undertakes the attempt to improve society through education, upbringing, and guidance to virtuous behavior. Of prime importance here are values such as permanence, moderation, and generosity. All in all, the edition with 120 original miniatures of knights, animals and angels, which was made ca. 1340, illustrates the text for a better understanding.

A German Book of Etiquette from a North Italian Cleric

Much is not known to us today about the Romance-speaking Thomasin von Zerklaere (ca– 1186–1238) and his didactic poem. According to some information he wrote it in the winter of 1215/16 in just ten months. German was not the native language of the Northern Italian, who was well aware of his mistakes; he even apologizes to the reader for the linguistic shortcomings. But the Friuli-born cleric was not just responsible for the text. It can be assumed that he also designed the picture cycle himself.

Ten Books against Moral Decline

The doctrinal poem is dedicated to the the German-speaking nobility in the empire of the Hohenstaufen and Welfs, symbolized as a noble lady called "German tongue". Both participated in a bitter struggle for kingship since 1198. The author recognizes moral decline as a consequence of the conflicts and with his poetry undertakes the attempt by society to convey courtly and religious norms in ten books. These include, above all, table manners, faithfulness in marriage, the handling of earthly goods, the duties of a good ruler, and the effects of human action on future life in the afterlife.

Refreshing Miniatures for a Better Understanding

Proudly displaying 120 miniatures, the manuscript is extremely rich with decorations, which allow the conceptual world of the Middle Ages to come alive for the reader. The always unframed pictures show strongly gesticulating figures with curved banderoles, which act as speech bubbles. You can also find battling knights on horses, humans in a variety of activities, small animals, heavenly angels, but also sinister figures like the devil. As a reading aid, the illustrations visualize the text and the figures are mostly personifications of forces or ways of thinking that are in opposition to each other and influence people.