# René of Anjou

> king of Naples (1409-1480)

**Wikidata**: [Q170353](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170353)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/René_of_Anjou)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rene-of-anjou

## Summary
René of Anjou was a king of Naples from 1409 to 1480, known for his role in the Hundred Years' War and his literary contributions. As a monarch, he played a significant part in the political landscape of Europe during a tumultuous period, while also being a poet and patron of the arts.

## Biography
- Born: [date and place not specified in source material]
- Nationality: French (Kingdom of France)
- Education: [not specified in source material]
- Known for: Leading the Kingdom of Naples, writing poetry, and sponsoring cultural works
- Employer(s): Kingdom of Naples, Château de Baugé
- Field(s): Politics, Poetry, Literature

## Contributions
- **King René's Tournament Book (1462)**: A literary work authored by René of Anjou, detailing tournaments and courtly culture.
- **Le Livre du cœur d'amour épris**: Another literary work by René of Anjou, contributing to the genre of courtly love poetry.
- **Patronage of the Arts**: Supported artists such as Barthélemy d'Eyck, who created illuminated manuscripts during his reign.

## FAQs
- **What was René of Anjou's primary role?**
  René of Anjou was a king of Naples, ruling from 1409 to 1480, and played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War.

- **What literary works did René of Anjou write?**
  René of Anjou authored *King René's Tournament Book* (1462) and *Le Livre du cœur d'amour épris*, both contributing to the courtly poetry tradition.

- **Who were René of Anjou's notable associates?**
  René of Anjou was affiliated with Palamede de Forbin, a French and Provencal politician, and supported artists like Barthélemy d'Eyck.

- **Where did René of Anjou reside?**
  René of Anjou was associated with Château de Baugé, a restored castle in Baugé.

## Why They Matter
René of Anjou's reign as king of Naples shaped the political and cultural landscape of the region during a critical period in European history. His literary works, particularly *King René's Tournament Book*, provided insights into the courtly culture of the time. Additionally, his patronage of the arts, including support for Barthélemy d'Eyck, contributed to the development of illuminated manuscripts. His influence extended beyond politics, leaving a lasting legacy in literature and the visual arts.

## Notable For
- King of Naples from 1409 to 1480
- Author of *King René's Tournament Book* (1462)
- Patron of the arts, supporting artists like Barthélemy d'Eyck
- Affiliated with Palamede de Forbin, a prominent French politician

## Body
### Early Life and Reign
René of Anjou was born into the royal house of Anjou, a prominent dynasty in medieval Europe. He ascended to the throne of Naples in 1409, a position he held until his death in 1480. His reign was marked by political maneuvering and military engagements, particularly during the Hundred Years' War, where he played a crucial role in the conflicts between England and France.

### Literary Contributions
René of Anjou was not only a monarch but also a poet. He authored *King René's Tournament Book*, a work that documented tournaments and the courtly culture of his time. Another notable work, *Le Livre du cœur d'amour épris*, further cemented his reputation as a writer in the genre of courtly love poetry.

### Patronage of the Arts
Recognizing the importance of culture, René of Anjou supported the arts, including the work of Barthélemy d'Eyck, an Early Netherlandish painter and manuscript illuminator. His patronage helped advance the field of illuminated manuscripts, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the period.

### Political Affiliations
René of Anjou was affiliated with Palamede de Forbin, a French and Provencal politician who held significant positions in governance. This association underscored his role in the political landscape of his time.

### Legacy
René of Anjou's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his political achievements, literary contributions, and patronage of the arts. His works continue to be studied for their insights into the courtly culture of the 15th century, while his reign as king of Naples remains a significant chapter in European history. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the cultural and political narratives of the era.

## References

1. [Medieval Lands](http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/ANJOU,%20MAINE.htm)
2. general catalog of BnF
3. Chambers Biographical Dictionary
4. The Peerage
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Source
7. Medieval Lands
8. Luc Comptone, Lambesc sous l'Ancien régime (1692-1789)
9. RKDartists
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. BnF authorities
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. Babelio
15. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
16. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
19. LIBRIS. 2015
20. Dizionario di Storia
21. Sejm-Wielki.pl
22. Digital Scriptorium Catalog