A scene from the royal court where the pride of a knight and the conflict of a young man intersect.
Among the nobles who are excited by fine food and battle, the young man Jaufre distances himself from their values. His appearance shows signs of the delicate sensibilities that were beginning to emerge in the Middle Ages.

Work Description

This chapter introduces the character of Jaufre, a young candidate for knighthood. The lords and scholars who surround him appear. They see Jaufre's coldness towards martial arts, his lack of interest in fine food, and his dislike of the boisterousness of banquets as "strange," but they also sense somewhere in him a noble spirit.

The writing is full of wit and satire, and its almost baroque narrative rhythm brings to light the contradictions and norms of the world of chivalry.
The upper decoration depicts hounds chasing a stag, symbolizing the social expectations placed on young people (hunting and valor). On the other hand, the lower right page depicts a dignified figure of a knight. However, even in his strict attire, there is a sense of formality and pretense.

Jaufre also symbolizes the sincerity of following one's inner voice that runs throughout the entire story.
Already in this introductory chapter, Mucha's illustrations quietly hint that the story will not end as a simple chivalrous action tale.

This work is included in the lavishly illustrated book "Ilse of Tripoli," published in German in 1901.

• Title : Illustration from "Ilse, Princess of Tripoli"

• Artist : Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939)

• Year of production : 1901

• Technique : Color lithograph (double-sided printing)

• Size : Approx. 30 x 20 cm (paper surface)

*The frame in the image is for reference only. Please contact us regarding framing.

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"Alfons Mucha and 'Ilse, Princess of Tripoli' | The appeal of the story and illustrations"

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This work is an original antique print made over 100 years ago.

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