For Reading 14.4, Castiglione’s Book of the Courtier: Why do you suppose Castiglione places so much emphasis in this excerpt on physical characteristics and prowess?

What will be an ideal response?

In the Book of the Courtier, Castiglione aimed to give instructions on how to become a good courtier by becoming un bella figura, “a fine figure.” This included learning a variety of arts and sculpting the mind and decorum of the person toward perfection. Along with the educational and practical perfection, the fine figure would also be expected to perfect his physical appearance based on the contemporaneous aesthetics (see Figure 14.30, Michelangelo, David, 1501–4). This is because Castiglione believed that the perfect courtier could produce the perfect state.