Codex Manesse
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The Manesse Codex or Grosse Heidelberger Liederhandschrift (Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg Library, Cod. Pal. germ. 848) is an illuminated manuscript in codex form copied and illustrated between 1305-1340 in Zürich, compiled at the request of the Manesse family of Zürich, possibly by Johannes Hadlaub. It contains the texts of love songs in Middle High German by important poets, several of whom were famous rulers. The term for these poets, Minnesänger, combines the words for "romantic love" and "singer", reflecting the content of the poetry, which adapted the Provençal troubadour tradition to German.
The manuscript has 137 miniatures, which are a series of "portraits" depicting each poet. A large number of the nobles are shown in full armour in their heraldic colors and devices (therefore with their faces hidden) taking part in tournament combats. Many designs draw their motifs from the names of the poets (Dietmar is shown riding a mule, since his name can be interpreted as meaning people's horse) or on imagery from their lyrics (Walther is shown in a thoughtful pose which exactly matches the description of himself in one of his most famous songs). Since the manuscript was compiled up to 100 years after the deaths of some of the poets, neither the likenesses nor the heraldry can be regarded as authentic.
The entries are ordered approximately by the social status of the poets, starting with the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, and King Conradin, down through dukes, counts and knights, to the commoners.
