This 112-sheet manuscript includes depictions of contestants
equipped for various tournaments; a parade preceding a late form
of tournament called a carrousel; participants in tournaments
known as Gesellenstrechen, or bachelors' jousts, held in
Nuremberg between 1446 and 1561; and depictions of pageant
sleighs, some of which were used in a parade held in the winter
of 1640–41. The illustrations are probably the work of a
Briefmaler, or letter painter, who also would have written and
embellished official documents and painted coats-of-arms.In many
instances, the names of the tournament participants are written
above them. They are armed for the Gestech, the joust fought
with blunt lances. A helmet and a four-pronged lance head
similar to those in the album are also on display in gallery 373
(acc. nos. 29.156.67a, 42.50.40). Albums such as this provide an
invaluable record of the jousters' colorful costumes, fanciful
crests, and humorous, often satirical emblems that decorated the
jouster's shields and horse tr