Extremely rare and internationally important water colour, linked to 15th century civil conflict between England and Wales, specifically the national uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr (image attached above).
Themes of Arthurian myth, and late medieval chivalry are included. Chivalric motifs in the painting are combined with more traditional themes of reverence for England's leafy, ordered woodland to the east (right of picture), and twisted wilderness and rocky chaos in the "wild west" of Wales (left of picture). These themes pre-date the medieval Norman period, demonstrating a link between a pre-Anglo Saxon past, and present. The Dyke encapsulates this connection to past and present, male and female, better than anywhere else in Britain; not least because Offa's Dyke is the nation's longest monument.
The frontier between east and west was dug from earth by the Anglo Saxon Offa, the King of the Mercians, during the 780s. It is considered the greatest national monument in Britain, covering 82 miles of Welsh and English border between Prestatyn in the north, and River Severn, near Chepstow, in the south.
Recent excavations have confirmed that a wooden breastwork ran along the top of the bank, and in places this was later rebuilt in stone. The west side of the bank was also revetted with turf to create a near vertical face.
Unlike Hadrian's Wall in the north, it was not a barrier. Garrison towers to indicate a permanent military presence have never been found.
The Knights of Offa's Dyke painting has completed by a skilled artisan, knowledgeable in medieval and ancient story telling. The artist is anonymous. A 3,000 word exclusive study of this picture is included for free, exploring the picture's historic, cultural and social significance. These ideas are linked to Blakean notions of British nationalism, Britonic and Euro-Asian pre-history.
Also included is information about The Stephen Neale Art Collection, from which the watercolour is taken, and a certificate of authenticity.
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL
