THE ART OF TABLE LAYING IN HISTORY AND CULTURE



Gerard Horenbout (attributed to), Month of January. Rich Man at Table, in Breviario Grimani, c. 1515–1520. Venice, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana

Milanese factory, Knife, early 16th century. Milan, Museo Poldi Pezzoli

Top: Paul Limbourg, The Duke of Berry at Table, in Les très riches heures du duc de Berry, 15th century, detail. Chantilly, Musée Condé

The medieval table contained just a few knives, which were not for individual use, but utensils to be shared by several diners. This practice is not surprising if we consider the strongly collective dimension of the medieval banquet, during which people shared the same drinking cups and placed their food on the same platters.
Although not widely present at the table, the knife played a big part in the medieval world. Generally speaking every man carried his own knife, housed in a sheath hanging from his belt, ready for all eventualities as a defensive and offensive weapon. The pointed iron blade was sharpened regularly and there was a useful grindstone at the entrance to the home.
The knife handle provided skilled smiths and engravers with a stimulating decorative opportunity: silver, gold, ivory and enamels were worked to depict hunting, mythological and religious scenes, fantastic animals and coats of arms.