This print features King Arthur leading his armies against his enemies while wielding his famous sword, Excalibur (also known as Caliburn).
 
In this print, Michael Smith has based his depiction of the famous British king on the description given of him in the fourteenth century masterpiece, the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death). 
 
The poem, a magnificent work of literature second only to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, is an astonishing insight into warfare, chivalry and the fraility of kings. The poem also describes in detail the heraldry of such figures as Mordred, Gawain and - as in this linocut print - King Arthur himself (three golden crowns on a red background with a "chalk-white" maiden (Mary) on the chief.
 
This print is hand printed on 250 gsm Somerset Velvet Paper on a 19th Century Albion Press in 4 colours, printed from 4 different plates and signed and edition by the artist. Printed area: 12" x 12"; paper size approx twice as much again.
 
One of variable edition of 8.
 
Find out how I made this print
 
To see how this print was researched and made, click here
 
Support the book!
Michael Smith, whose translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was published in 2018, is currently translating and illustrating the Alliterative Morte Arthure, a 4500 line fourteenth century poetic masterpiece; this print will be available as a pledge reward to patrons of the book pledging at one of the higher crowdfunding pledge options. Every patron will also have their name printed in the back of each copy sold.To learn more and to pledge support, please click here.