A Winter Ride

First of all my apologies to those expecting this to be a painting adhering strictly to traditional Arthurian Legend. Let's just say I had a what if... more

by Anthony Lyon

Original - Not For Sale

Price

Not Specified

Dimensions

33.125 x 23.375 inches

Title

A Winter Ride

Artist

Anthony Lyon

Medium

Painting - Acrylics On Canvas Board

Description

First of all my apologies to those expecting this to be a painting adhering strictly to traditional Arthurian Legend. Let's just say I had a "what if moment". What if the tales relating to the alleged adulterous affair between Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot were the writings of misogynists attempting to defame women during the English medieval period. At the time of the addition of this story to the legends, some of the queens of England were beginning to show that they were the equal of any king. So perhaps the thinking was to undermine this trend by introducing a salacious plot whereby Guinevere and Sir Lancelot became involved in an adulterous love affair. Naturally, the misogynists ensured the majority of the blame should be placed on poor Guinevere's shoulders. The result was that she was condemned to death by King Arthur whilst Sir Lancelot was banished from Camelot. The traditional legend shows Arthur eventually spared Guinevere. Nevertheless, I am sure this particular story would have had a profound affect on the way women were thought of during medieval England.

I have always considered that this part of the legend was out of keeping with the times in which they were written. As far as I am aware, no queen of England in the medieval period ever cheated on her king by having an adulterous affair - to do so would have resulted in her execution. What is also puzzling is the fact that a mere knight was involved with Guinevere - he would not be of sufficient rank in society. No, this affair was not plausible.

So, "what if...." there was no affair between Guinevere and Lancelot. Suppose she had remained steadfastly loyal and had been unjustly accused of being involved with Lancelot by a wicked group of troublemakers led by the devious Mordred - King Arthur's illegitimate son. Suppose the plot is foiled by Sir Galahad who returns to Camelot - just in time - having been sent on a fruitless mission to bring back the Holy Grail based on fake intelligence supplied by Mordred. After Queen Guinevere's trial she is condemned to death. She has only one hope left. Will some brave knight step forward and become her champion to defend her honour in a trial by mortal combat? The announcement is made in front of everyone. Guinevere says she will not ask anyone to risk their life to save her. The ever loyal Sir Bedivere, now with only one arm, is still not fully recovered from illness. So he cannot help. Suddenly, in strides Sir Galahad and, standing next to his queen, declares he will be her champion. Arthur stupidly refuses to listen to Galahad's request to explain Guinevere's innocence. The contest takes place and Galahad routes Mordred the main accuser. As Galahad is about to deliver the finishing blow, Arthur intervenes instructing him to spare his son's life. The now discredited Mordred skulks away to devise another way to bring down King Arthur and his reign. Sir Galahad publicly explains the foiled plot thus shaming Arthur. He tells his king that Guinevere has been a most loyal and devoted queen and is loved by all the people. Galahad reminds King Arthur that his queen has arranged food storage facilities throughout the kingdom so that nobody goes hungry. She has had schools, hospitals and churches built. What is more, whilst King Arthur has been away on campaigns, Guinevere has successfully reigned over Camelot ensuring justice, safety and peace for all. The plot against her was a complete fabrication. Galahad then asks "where is Merlin? This would never have happened if he was at court would it?" Some good questions. Arthur is not able to answer him. He knows he has been foolish.

My painting shows Queen Guinevere escorted by Sir Galahad (front left), Sir Bedivere and a loyal Sergeant-At-Arms, as she takes a ride in the countryside around Camelot a few days after she has been proven not guilty of adultery with Sir Lancelot. Guinevere has decided that they need a break from all the intrigue at court even though it is Christmas time.

PLEASE NOTE : The image remains copyright of the artist.

The watermark does not appear on the purchased print.

Uploaded

June 6th, 2021