Giostre, tornei «a soggetto» e moresche nella Napoli aragonese del Quattrocento

Abstract

Jousts, subject-themed tournaments, and morescas in Aragonese Naples during the 15th century · In the early Renaissance, despite losing the martial aspects of the Middle Ages, tournaments and jousts became highly regarded performances at princely courts. In Naples, jousts and subject-themed tournaments represented theatricalized battles with specific roles and narrative themes between factions, similar to the characteristics found in morescas. I will analyze these events to highlight the allegorical elements and choreographic value of the Quattrocento’s scenic representations, often intertwined with political propaganda and opulent displays. The dance, present in these performances, stood apart from the court’s choreutical language.