Andreas Capellanus

Date of Birth: Approximately 1150

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Unknown

Biography

Andreas Capellanus, also known as Andrew the Chaplain, was a 12th-century French writer and cleric best known for his work “De Amore” (The Art of Courtly Love). Little is known about his life, but his writings have had a significant impact on the understanding of courtly love in medieval Europe. “De Amore,” written in Latin, is a treatise on love that outlines the rules and philosophy of courtly love, a concept that emerged in the High Middle Ages. Andreas Capellanus is believed to have been associated with the court of Marie de Champagne, a notable patron of the arts and letters.

5 Interesting Facts about Andreas Capellanus

1. Andreas Capellanus’s “De Amore” is divided into three books, each addressing different aspects of love and its social implications.

2. He served as a chaplain, which is reflected in his name “Capellanus,” meaning chaplain in Latin.

3. “De Amore” was commissioned by Marie de Champagne, daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine, making it a work created for the elite of medieval society.

4. The treatise influenced later writers and poets, including Dante Alighieri and Geoffrey Chaucer.

5. Despite its serious tone, “De Amore” includes satirical elements, possibly critiquing the very ideals of courtly love it describes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andreas Capellanus

1. “Love is a certain inborn suffering derived from the sight of and excessive meditation upon the beauty of the opposite sex.”

2. “True love can only exist where it is reciprocated.”

3. “Everyone who is in love does not wish to see the beloved’s face marred by any sorrows.”

4. “The man who is not jealous is not in love.”

5. “A man who is in love is always apprehensive.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a medieval cleric and writer, Andreas Capellanus did not accumulate personal wealth in the sense understood today. His value lies in his literary contributions rather than financial net worth.