Gothic Belt Pendant Depicting A Jousting Scene – 15th Century, Courtly Love, Medieval, Middle Ages

Gothic belt pendant depicting a jousting scene – 15th century, courtly love, medieval, Middle Ages

An exceptional medieval metal belt pendant, dating from the 15th century, of a fine size and particularly interesting for its iconography.

The main section features, within a medallion, a deliberately stylized yet easily recognizable figurative scene: a horseman armed with a lance—presumably a jouster—stands facing a lady dressed in a long gown and wearing a veil. She extends her hand to him in a gesture that might suggest the presentation of a gift or a reward. The scene could thus be interpreted as an episode related to courtly jousting, in which the victor traditionally received a token of favor or a gift from his lady.

To the right of the medallion is a concave section designed to hold the end of a belt—likely made of leather or fine fabric—which is now missing. A Gothic letter “V” is visible on this section, and its presence is particularly intriguing. It could possibly be interpreted as the initial of Victorie / Victoire, echoing the jousting scene and the rider’s victorious status. This interpretation remains, of course, hypothetical, but it lends the object a particularly appealing symbolic dimension.

At the other end, a small eyelet likely served to suspend a decorative element that is now missing—perhaps a small tassel, a cord, or another textile trim.

Through its iconography, this object is fully rooted in the world of courtly love, which was particularly prevalent in aristocratic culture during the late Middle Ages: the lady, the knight, the joust, and the symbolic presentation of a gift are all themes associated with the chivalric and romantic ideal.

A rare and particularly evocative object, both for its unusual size and its iconography, bearing witness to the chivalric world and the courtly ideal of the late Middle Ages.

Dimensions: height 3.4 cm; length 8 cm

Price excludes shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A228

Professional antique dealer – Guarantee & peace of mind when purchasing

As a professional antique dealer, I am committed to offering only authentic items that have been carefully selected and are legally marketable. Each piece is chosen for its historical, aesthetic, or collectible value and undergoes a rigorous verification of its provenance.

Invoice and Traceability. Each purchase comes with a detailed invoice and a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing the item’s provenance and ensuring complete transparency.

Legal Compliance. All items comply with current French and European legislation. Any archaeological items are offered in accordance with the Heritage Code (Articles L.542-1 et seq.). Items that may be subject to specific regulations (cultural artifacts, antiques, items made of specific materials) are sold strictly in accordance with the law.

International Buyers. Buyers outside of France are advised to verify the regulations applicable in their country regarding the importation of cultural artifacts or antiques.

Right of Withdrawal.In accordance with the law (Article L.221-18 of the Consumer Code), you have 14 days after receipt to return an item. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. The item must be returned in its original condition.

Quality Commitment. Buying from a professional ensures security, transparency, and reliability. I am available to answer any additional questions you may have before making a purchase.