This original linocut book illustration features the nightmare experienced by King Arthur prior to his return home to face Mordred in the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death).
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, Arthur defeats the Roman emperor Lucius and marches on Rome. As he is about to take the city, he dreams of Lady Fortune and her wheel in which she reveals to the king how all the mighty fall and are undone. Although he returns home to defeat his nemesis, he is mortally wounded by Mordred and, as Lady Fortune foresaw, he loses his power and, of course, his life.
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
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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.
The Nightmare of King Arthur - Original Linocut Book Illustration
The print will be supplied in a robust cardboard tube, protected by acid-free tissue paper. Postage and Packing in the UK is free of charge; charges for mailing outside the UK are incorporated in the shopping basket.