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Fine Art Print : King Cnut commands the tide to retreat (unsuccessfully)
Fine Art Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
King Cnut commands the tide to retreat (unsuccessfully)
Cnut the Great (circa 985 or 9951035), (or Canute), King of Denmark, England, Norway, and parts of Sweden. Henry of Huntingdon, the 12th-century chronicler, wrote (the apocryphal story) of how Cnut set his throne by the sea shore and commanded the tide to halt and not wet his feet and robes. Yet " continuing to rise as usual (the tide) dashed over his feet and legs without respect to his royal person. Then the king leapt backwards, saying: " Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws." Date: circa 1025
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Media ID 23034912
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Tom Gillmor
Advance Apocryphal Canute Cnut Command Commanding Commands Edge Eternal Failed Huntingdon Laws Obey Personage Point Pointing Points Power Respect Retreat Rise Rises Rising Seashore Stop Throne Tidal Tide Waters Waves Kingship Obeying
21"x14" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Experience the rich history and iconic imagery of the past with our Fine Art Prints from Media Storehouse. This captivating print depicts King Cnut of Denmark, England, Norway, and parts of Sweden, also known as Canute, as he famously attempts to command the tide to retreat. Based on a historical account by Henry of Huntingdon, this Rights Managed image from Mary Evans Prints Online brings the legend to life, making it a stunning addition to any home or office. Immerse yourself in the story of this legendary monarch and the enduring power of nature.
21x14 image printed on 27x20 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 53.3cm x 35.5cm (21" x 14")
Estimated Product Size is 68.6cm x 50.8cm (27" x 20")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
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King Cnut, also known as Canute or Knut, reigns supreme over Denmark, England, Norway, and parts of Sweden around the year 1025. In this iconic image, Cnut is depicted commanding the relentless waves to retreat as they approach his throne at the seashore. The apocryphal story of this event was recorded by Henry of Huntingdon centuries later. With a regal and determined expression, Cnut points to the water, ordering it to halt and not wet his feet and robes. However, the unyielding tide continues to rise, crashing over his feet and legs, disregarding the king's command. The failed attempt to control the natural forces of the sea serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human power and the transient nature of kingship. Cnut leaps backwards, acknowledging the futility of his efforts and declaring, "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws." This image encapsulates the complex relationship between power, god, and kingship during the Middle Ages, as well as the enduring human desire to assert control over the natural world. The story of King Cnut and the tide has become a timeless metaphor for the inherent limitations of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of the divine.
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