Heidin und Mörin. Zur Materialität, Visualität und Medialität höfischer Texte im Spätmittelalter
<p>This thesis “Heidin and Mörin. On the materiality, visuality, and mediality of courtly texts in the late Middle Ages in Germany” studies the media history of two medieval German texts, Heidin and Mörin, taking as its starting point two courtly commissions; the manuscripts Heidelberg Univers...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | Medieval German German |
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2022
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| Summary: | <p>This thesis “Heidin and Mörin. On the materiality, visuality, and mediality of courtly texts in the late Middle Ages in Germany” studies the media history of two medieval German texts, Heidin and Mörin, taking as its starting point two courtly commissions; the manuscripts Heidelberg University Library, cpg. 353 and Vienna, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek cod. 2946.</p>
<p>The study analyses how the materiality, visuality, and mediality of book objects catered to specific audiences and how the relation between object and audience was instrumentalised to market printed editions of formerly exclusive courtly texts to new audiences. To do so, this thesis uses an interdisciplinary methodology, drawing on approaches from visual culture and material culture studies as well as media studies.</p>
<p>The two manuscripts are a result of courtly manuscript production, however, the context of their production differed. The dedication of the Mörin to Mechthild von der Pfalz is evidence of her widespread patronage of other literary works, whereas Heidin was likely commissioned directly by Margarethe von Savoyen. The works demonstrate the range of courtly manuscripts produced at the end of the Middle Ages, and the involvement and impact noble women had on the literary landscape. The patronesses were connected through dynastic allegiances and bibliophile interests, and manuscripts such as the Heidelberg copy of the Heidin and the Viennese copy of the Mörin were embedded in the social network of the time. </p>
<p>While Heidin was never put into print, the production and concept of the manuscript was heavily influenced by the new medium, resulting in a distinct style of illustrations. Mörin, on the other hand, was comparatively successful with five printed editions, as publishers utilised the particularities of the new medium to market the text to an urban readership. Analysing the different editions of Mörin revealed how publishers and printers marketed their products, anticipating and creating new audiences. The trademark use of woodcuts provided the foundation of image strategy which revealed the intended and anticipated readership. Comparison of the editions has shown that even with a relocation of print production to urban areas, it was only with later editions that the urban market developed.
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