This original linocut book illustration features the scene in the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death) when Guinevere collapses in a swoon on learning that Arthur has decided to venture abroad to fight the Roman emperor Lucius.
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 is affronted when messengers from Rome arrive demanding that he swears allegiance to Lucius, the emperor. In a rage, Arthur decides that he will instead go to Rome and teach the emperor a lesson. However, his decision causes great distress to Guinevere, who falls down in a swoon; we learn later in the poem that Arthur's decision to leave her under the protection of Mordred is a costly error indeed.
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.
TWO 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.
The Swoon of Guinevere - 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.