The Book of the Courtier vs Modern Men By Difan Li

 The Book of the Courtier vs Modern Men

By Difan Li

A famed project of Baldassare Castiglione, designated “The Book of the Courtier,” (1528) was a substantial read discussing the characteristics of an ideal man or woman during the Renaissance era. There were many specific guidelines drawn for how one should act, dress, and look. Although they are fitting for the time period, these standards no longer hold true for the ideal modern person. There are different expectations now, yet while there have been some drastic changes, some parts have remained the same. The roles and skills of elite Renaissance men and women have to compare to the roles and skills of ideal men and women today.

As a courtier, one’s looks were mainly to signal wealth and composed personality, whereas in modern day, physical appearance is viewed quite differently. Castiglione’s book describes the ideal man “[t]o be portly and friendly in countenance.” This is generally a sign of high earning, as they would have abundant sources of food to maintain a somewhat more ample build. On the other hand, being more obese is now seen in a different light, more often with negative associations such as being unhealthy or lazy, an opposite indicator of wealth. However, to appear friendly was and is the ideal to both modern and courtier men, as looking withdrawn or surly lessens approachability. Other parallel ideals for men in modern day: “To be handsome and wear clean clothes,” “To make friends with men of the best sort and to treat all as equals so he is beloved by those who are inferior,” and “Never lie.  Always tell the truth.  Be honest, fair and have an upright conscience.” In terms of skills, a courtier should have natural prowess in many areas, compared to now, where all people’s abilities vary.

A Renaissance lady will usually uphold a very agreeable and graceful manner, while being even more composed than men. A modern woman may be less conservative in actions and speech, contradictory to the standard belief of “graciously entertain[ing] every type of man with agreeable and clever conversation.” Modern women ideally have traits that make them stand out, and are not all exact mirrors of each other. In the Renaissance period, however, a woman was expected to be “agreeable, witty, and above all, discreet.” Just as men, modern women and women of the Renaissance have both similarities and vast differences.

Perhaps most, if not all people would be inclined to living to the modern day expectations and standards. As opposed to the Renaissance conduct of female etiquette and submissive behaviors, the modern expectation allows for an unconfined, freer personality and the ability to speak one’s mind rather than remain behind a poised and refined facade. The mere frustration of acting gracefully in all actions would be difficult to comprehend. Standards of courtiers and ladies were deemed realistic as qualities of the Renaissance period, but they greatly differ from those of modern age. 

Works Cited

Castiglione, Baldassarre. The Book of the Courtier. London, Dent, N.D, 1528.