James Archer, R.S.A. (1823-1904)

In the Art Journal of 1871 James Dafforne refers to 'the brightest laurels with which this artist is decorated - the semi-historic romances and ballads of olden time (J. Dafforne, Art Journal, 1871, pp. 97-8). This painting clearly relates to four major works that Archer executed based on the legend of King Arthur: La Morte d'Arthur (1861, Manchester City Art Gallery); King Arthur obtains the mystic sword Excalibur (1862, private collection); The Sangreall, King Arthur healed of his grievous wound (1863, private collection, sold in these Rooms, 23 November 2005, lot 27); and The Funeral of Queen Guinevere (1868, private collection). It is believed that the figures in the painting are Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere and the painting may relate to Archer's Royal Academy exhibit of 1864, The Meeting of Lancelot and Guinevere (oil on canvas, 95 x 72.2 cm.).