Literature

Literature

A number of insignia have links to stories from the Middle Ages. You can discover historical figures such as Aristotle, mythical figures such as the wild man or mermen, and courtly literature was also depicted through the insignia. The insignia show us that medieval imagery was used for both courtly and popular culture.

Aristotle and Phyllis

A popular genre in the late Middle Ages was “women's tricks”. The message is clear: even the most intelligent men can be duped by lustful women. So you had better be on your guard! Famous figures from Classical Antiquity such as Paris, Virgil and Hercules appear in these tales. But even Biblical figures such as David and Solomon are fooled by cunning women.

One of the most popular stories is that of Aristotle and Phyllis. This story dates back to 1200, but remained popular throughout the Middle Ages. The story goes as follows. Aristotle warns his pupil Alexander the Great that his mistress, Phyllis, is distracting him from his studies. Alexander then decides to end the affair. Phyllis seeks revenge. She seduces Aristotle and persuades him to let her use him as a mount. Alexander and the entire court see Aristotle in this humiliating position. He manages to save his reputation by repeating his message. If he, as an old philosopher, cannot resist, how could Alexander, as a young man, succeed?

The badge depicts the crucial phase in the story: Phyllis on Aristotle's back. She even has a whip in her hand. There is one major difference between the stories and the badge. On the badge, Aristotle's genitals are clearly enlarged and visible between his legs. The stories or miniatures are not that explicit.

Letter insignia

There are various letter badges. Their meaning is difficult to ascertain. Are they the initials of the person who wore the badge? Or perhaps of a loved one? The most popular letter is undoubtedly the “M”. In the Ypres Museum collection alone, there are four examples of a crowned “M”. This is the “M” of the Virgin Mary, an extremely popular figure in medieval Christianity.

But the “M” could just as easily be an abbreviation of “Minne”, or (earthly) love. This double or even ambiguous meaning of the letter is explicitly addressed in the late medieval play “Mariken van Nieumeghen”. In that play, the double meaning of the letter “M” is the subject. The devil “Moenen” asks “Mariken” to change her name to “Maria”. When she refuses, he asks her to go through life as “M” or “Emmeken”. Mariken can live with this, because it is the first letter of her name. The devil thus deliberately creates confusion between Mariken and the Virgin Mary. Anyone wearing the insignia with this letter is probably deliberately sending a confusing message.