The Art of Courtly Love

The Art of Courtly Love, a medieval concept from the 12th century, describes an idealized and often secret form of romantic love practiced among knights and nobles. It emphasizes qualities like devotion, admiration, and respectful admiration outside of marriage, often involving chivalric behavior and poetic expression. While not always meant to result in marriage, it served as a moral and social code to elevate love beyond mere physical attraction, fostering personal virtue and emotional refinement. Essentially, it shaped notions of romantic desire, emphasizing nobility, reverence, and emotional fidelity.