Aristoteles und Phyllis

Medieval pendant with Aristotle and Phyllis.

Here you can buy a medieval depiction of Aristotle and Phyllis that can be worn as a pendant around the neck.

This pendant was made after a so-called aquamanile from the late Middle Ages, which thematises the story of Aristotle and Phyllis, which was very popular in the late Middle Ages and was used for general amusement.

The pendant depicts the philosopher Aristotle and Phyllis, whom he adored, being carried through the garden while sitting on him and tapping him on the arse with her hand.

The historical model for the pendant is a medieval aquamanile from the 14th to 15th century, which is now in the possession of the MET in New York.

Even today, this medieval pendant is likely to cause quite a stir and is certainly ideal as a joking love gift or present for engagements and medieval weddings.

The Aristotle and Phyllis pendant measures 3.5 x 3.2 x 1 cm.
A 1 metre long black leather cord is included.

You can buy the raven charm in high-quality bronze or genuine silver-plated.
Alternatively, also available in 925 sterling silver (Please note the delivery time).
Alloy...

---

The Middle High German story of Aristotle and Phyllis probably first became popular in the 13th century between Basel and Strasbourg and was a favourite motif from the Middle Ages onwards, not only in literature but also in carpets and paintings.

The story of Aristotle and Phyllis was particularly widespread in the pictorial representations of the late Middle Ages. It was often thematised on objects of everyday courtly life, such as sculptures, knife handles, combs and even façade reliefs in churches and cathedrals.

The medieval story of Aristotle and Phyllis features the motif of the wise man who is seduced by a beautiful woman, outwitted and shamefully exposed in the end.

The Macedonian ruler Philip once brought the philosopher Aristotle to court as a teacher for his son Alexander. However, he fell so in love with Phyllis that he was no longer able to concentrate properly on his lessons. Aristotle then separated the two lovers, as he himself harboured romantic feelings for the beautiful Phyllis.

Phyllis felt cheated out of her love in this way and sought revenge on Aristotle. When he asked her to spend the night with him for a fee, Phyllis apparently agreed to his request, but demanded that he carry her around the garden as if on horseback.

Phyllis strapped a saddle on Aristotle and rode through the garden on his back while singing a love song, which was noticed by some ladies-in-waiting and the queen herself. This exposed Aristotle to shame and ridicule, and so he fled to a distant land, where he spent the rest of his life pondering the corruption of women.

The motif of the wise man being shown up and humiliated by the cunning woman had been known in world literature since the 5th century and can be found in Chinese, Arabic and Persian tales of the same era. The story probably came to Europe during the Crusades and spread to many countries from the 13th to the 16th century.