The concept of longing for beauty is beautifully explored in Baldassare Castiglione’s work, The Book of the Courtier. In this Renaissance masterpiece, Castiglione delves into the qualities of an ideal courtier—a refined and cultured individual who serves a prince or ruler. Let’s explore the essence of longing for beauty as discussed in this influential text:

Beauty and Love:

Castiglione asserts that the courtier should arouse no displeasure in love. But what is love? For him, it’s the intense desire to possess beauty.

He distinguishes between two forms of beauty: sensual and spiritual. While sensual beauty appeals to physical desire, spiritual beauty transcends the material realm.

The courtly lady may grant her lover a kiss—a moment when these two forms of beauty come together.

Universal Beauty:

To overcome torment, the lover must contemplate universal beauty. This suggests that true beauty extends beyond the individual and connects to something greater—perhaps even divine goodness.

The Courtier’s Role:

Castiglione’s courtier embodies grace, wit, and elegance. Longing for beauty becomes intertwined with their refined demeanor.

As courtiers engage in intellectual discussions, they also appreciate the beauty of language, art, and culture.

Moral Urbanity:

Castiglione’s work reflects the Humanist spirit—a blend of formality and spontaneity. It envisions moral urbanity as the one virtue within human nature.

This moral urbanity encompasses both courtly behavior and inner refinement.

In summary, longing for beauty in Castiglione’s courtly context goes beyond mere physical attraction. It involves a deep appreciation for both sensual and spiritual beauty, as well as a commitment to moral excellence.