Cari colleghi:
Some time ago I came across a reference to a remarkable social custom in
late-medieval and Renaissance Florence. It was, apparently, the custom for
young men, obviously of the wealthiest and most powerful families, to
display their equestrian skill, not to speak of their horse etc., while
publicly staking a claim, as it were, to a certain young lady. A youth
would ride at the front of the house of the young woman in question, turning
away at the last moment but striking the wall with his lance, with all too
obvious symbolic resonances.
I have mislaid the reference and wonder if anyone knows of this custom and,
even better, where it is documented, preferably in primary sources. Also,
the reference I found mentioned only Florence, and I would be interested to
know if the custom was more widespread.
In grateful anticipation of any help you might be able to supply.
Charles Burroughs
CEMERS
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