Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Record Number: 17472 Author(s)/Creator(s): Rushing , James A. Contributor(s): Title: Iwein as Slave of Woman: the “Maltererteppich” in Freiburg [The story of the Arthurian knight Iwein was known to medieval audiences not only through literary texts but also through pictorial representations, such as an early fourteenth-century tapestry in the Augustinermuseum in Freiburg. This wall-hanging features a series of medallions, two of which depict Iwein’s adventures. The other medallions feature examples of “Frauensklaven” or “Minnesklaven” (men humiliated by their submission to women), including some well-known figures like Samson and Delilah and Aristotle and Phyllis. Although the meaning of the tapestry is unclear, the images remove Iwein from his original function as an exemplary figure and insert him into a new context: a pictorial representation of the “Frauensklaven” topos. Title note supplied by Feminae.]. Source: Zeitschrift für Kunstgeschichte 55, ( 1992): Pages 124 - 135. Description: Article Type: Journal Article Subject (See Also): Art History- Decorative Arts Arthurian Literature Chretien de Troyes, Poet- Yvain Delilah (Biblical Figure) in Art Hartmann von Aue, Poet- Iwein Iconography Knight, Image of Minnesang, Literary Genre Misogyny Phyllis, Lover of Aristotle, in Art Submissive Award Note: Geographic Area: Germany Century: 14 Primary Evidence: Tapestry; Freiburg, Augustinermuseum, Maltererteppich (Malterer Tapestry), early fourteenth century. The tapestry consists of a row of eleven quatrefoil medallions embroidered on wool on a linen background. The first and last medallions display the arms of the weal Illustrations: Three Figures. Figure One “The Malterer arms,” Maltererteppich, first medallion (Freiburg, Augustinermuseum). The center of the medallion features a knight’s helmet above the coat of arms of the wealthy Malterer family of Freiburg, together with the name “Anna.” Figure Two “Iwein slaying Ascalon,” Maltererteppich, eighth medallion (Freiburg, Augustinermuseum). In this quatrefoil, Iwein (wearing a helmet with a lion’s head crest) strikes Ascalon with his sword, as Ascalon falls to the ground. In the middle foreground of the image is a fountain, and snow falls in the background. Figure Three “Iwein submits to a woman,” Maltererteppich, ninth medallion (Freiburg, Augustinermuseum). This quatrefoil depicts Iwein (bearing a shield with a lion rampant) standing between two women. To the left of Iwein stands a maiden (presumably Lunete) who grasps his arm with her right hand; in her left hand, she holds a large ring. To the right of Iwein sits a woman (presumably Laudine) high upon a throne. Table: Abstract: Related Resources: Author's Affiliation: Conference Info: - , - Year of Publication: 1992. Language: English ISSN/ISBN: 00442992

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