A large topic in contemporary literature, courtiers were often regarded as marked by insincerity, skill at flattery and intrigue, ambition and lack of regard for the national interest. More positive aspects of the stereotype would include the role played by the court in the development of politeness - a concept in origin to close to that of the "politician" - and the arts.
In modern English, the term is often used metaphorically for contemporary political favourites or hangers-on. (http://www.reference.com/search?q=courtier)
The perfect courtier is to have an excellent mind, proper manners and manner of speaking, a good voice for speaking as well as singing, and a strong athletic physique.
The courtier should know how to draw, paint, and be knowledgeable in classical antiquity. All these skills and many more are executed with a certain "sprezzatura" or nonchalance. Why the perfect courtier? We shall see.
Tootsie
12th Night
The Whore of Babylon
Does this look like The Catholic Church?
Anne Boleyn, "[A] woman who is the scandal of Christendom." Katharine of Aragon, 1531
Henry and Anne Hunting
Pieta
head full of useless knowledge
an interesting looking courtier
the "look" we're going for
St. Thomas More, martyr
utopia?
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