This original linocut book illustration features  the scene in the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death) when King Arthur, having been taken to Glastonbury, gives his final instructions and exhales his last breath.
 
The illustration is one of many which appears in Michael Smith's translation of the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death) (published in 2021).
 
In the story, King Arthur returns from his campaigns against the Roman emperor Lucius in order to retake his kingdom from the treacherous Mordred, who has also taken Guinevere to be his wife.
 
Arthur defeats Mordred but in so doing is mortally wounded himself; he is taken to Glastonbury where he utters his final words before he dies. In the words of the poet, "he murmurs In manus, with his last earthly might, and thus his spirit passes and he speaks no more". [ll. 4326-7]
 
When Michael was preparing the manuscript of the book for publication, a number of prints were produced to illustrate different sections of the book.
 
Michael is offering these originals for sale to collectors. All are signed and dated and carry the mark LCI to reflect the limited special edition status of the print. After these prints are sold, no more will be made available.
 
This print is hand printed on 250 gsm Somerset Velvet Paper on a 19th Century Albion Press in oil-based black ink for longevity; signed and edition by the artist. Printed area: 12" x 12"; paper size approx twice as much again.
 
THREE AVAILABLE
 
Buy the book!
Michael Smith's translation of King Arthur's Death was published in 2021. To learn more about the book and to buy a signed and specially-dedicated edition, please click here.