Rodenegg Castle

Medieval Histories

9 years ago

In Southern Tyrol lies the 12^th century Castle Rodenegg, with some famous frescos illustrating the story of the knight of Iwein

Castle Rodenegg – the murals. Source: Wikipedia/druzhina3

Castle Rodenegg is situated between Schabs and Mühlbach on a narrow rocky outcrop reaching into the gorge of the Rienz river. It was built in the first half of the 12^th century by Frederick I of Rodank and his wife Gerbirg. At first it was probably a residential tower. It remained in the possession of his descendants until c. 1300, when it passed to the Barons of Wolkenstein, who are still living in the castle. They are the descendants of Oswald von Wolkenstin

The castle may be visited on a guided tour and holds a number of exhibits presented in rooms with renaissance furniture. The main attraction, though, are the frescoes, which were discovered in 1972 and which show scenes from the Iwein-epos by Hartmann von Aue (born c. 1160-70, died c. 1210-20). This was based on Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, an epic poem by Chrétien de Troyes. The murals were commissioned by Arnold II of Rodank.

The murals have been dated to c. 1200 – 1230 and are the eldest profane murals in German-speaking area. It is peculiar that the paintings exclusively depict scenes from the first part of the poem as if they were painted at a time when the poem had not yet been finished (1205). Central to the murals are scenes depicting courtly life, foremost the knightly duels.

This corresponds to another cycle of murals from Hessenhof in Schmalkalden, which curiously enough was painted in a cellar. This is currently not on view, but is expected to reopen in 2017 in connection with the celebration of the reformation.

There exists 15 Iwein manuscripts from the 13^th century; however, not a single one is illustrated. Together with some murals in the Hessenhof in Schmalkalden and the so-called Malterer tapestry from 1320 – 1330, the frescoes from Rodenegg represent the sole survivors pictorial circles presenting this courtly romance.