Roundel with Scenes of the Attack on the Castle of Love

Art Historical Context

Step into the enchanting world of medieval chivalry with this exquisite *Roundel with Scenes of the Attack on Castle of Love*, a ivory carving from around 1320–40. Carved in high relief on a delicate disk just 5 9/16 inches in diameter, it a lively siege: knights on horseback charge a fortress defended by women, wielding bows and arrows in a playful assault symbolizing romantic pursuit. This whimsical motif, rooted in courtly love traditions from troubadour poetry and Arthurian tales, turns warfare into flirtation—arrows perhaps tipped with Cupid's darts or flowers. Ivory was a prized medium for Gothic luxury objects like mirror backs, caskets, or jewelry, showcasing the anonymous artist's mastery of intricate detailing on a thin, 1/2-inch plaque. Elephant ivory's smooth surface allowed for fine textures in horses' manes, knights' armor, and fluttering garments, making it a status symbol for nobility. Housed in The Cloisters Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this roundel reflects 14th-century France's blend of piety and playfulness, offering visitors a tangible window into the fantasies of medieval romance. Its survival highlights the enduring appeal of these intimate, narrative carvings.