The J. Paul Getty Museum

Festivals of War and Peace: The Evolution of Jousts and Tournaments

Tobias Capwell

Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 11 am PDT (2 PM EST)

Free | Advance sign-up required | Zoom with Live Stream At Lecture Hall

A Tournament Contest (detail), about 1560–1570, Unknown maker. Tempera colors and gold and silver paint. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 14 (83.MR.184), fol. 35v

The Age of Chivalry in Europe (c. 1100–1600) was a time of almost constant warfare, but also of fabulous celebrations and courtly festivals. In tournaments, the grandest of all spectacles, the most powerful noblemen of the time displayed their personal fighting and riding skills whilst clad in the richest armor ever created. Exploring the Getty manuscript known as the "Augsburg Tournament Armor Album," historian Tobias Capwell discusses its text and images as a gateway into the extraordinary history of these fascinating events.

Following the program, on-site attendees can experience the demonstration Artist-at-Work: Medieval Sword Play at the Getty Center from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tobias Capwell, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA), is a historian, author and curator. He is a leading expert on medieval and Renaissance arms and armor and also a founding member of the modern competitive jousting community. He is the author of numerous books including, most recently, Arms and Armor of the Renaissance Joust (2021) and the three-volume Armour of the English Knight (2015, 2021, 2022).

This event is held via Zoom, but will also be live-streamed in the Getty Center's Museum Lecture Hall for those who will be on-site that day. Seating is first come, first served.

For more information on the Play and Pastimes in the Middle Ages exhibition and the lecture, https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/play/index.html