Cnut Collection (#2)

Single Combat between King Edmund II and Canute the Great on the Isle of Abney, 1787
Single Combat between King Edmund II and Canute the Great on the Isle of Abney in the presence of both their Armies, c1787

Canute reproving his Courtiers, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
Canute reproving his Courtiers, c1860, (c1860). Cnut the Great (c995-1035), known as Canute, was a king of Denmark, England, Norway and parts of Sweden

Canute performing on his favourite instrument, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
Canute performing on his favourite instrument, c1860, (c1860). Cnut the Great (c995-1035), known as Canute, was a king of Denmark, England, Norway and parts of Sweden

Canute and his Courtiers, c1884. Artist: Thomas Strong Seccombe
Canute and his Courtiers, c1884. Canute was King of England, Denmark and Norway from 1016-1035. Here, sycophantic courtiers try to convince him he is so powerful he can command the sea

Canute the Great, at the request of his Sycophants and Flatterers, ridiculously Commanding the Sea Artist: John Hall
Canute the Great, at the request of his Sycophants and Flatterers, ridiculously Commanding the Sea to retire, 1783. After Edward Edwards (1738-1806)

King Canute the Great. Artist: Smith
King Canute the Great. Canute (Sveinsson Knut) (d1035) was King of England from 1016, Denmark from 1018 and Norway from 1030

Canute And His Courtiers, 11th century, (c1850). Cnut was King of England, Denmark and Norway from 1016-1035. Here, sycophantic courtiers try to convince him he is so powerful he can command the sea

Queen Alfgyfe and King Canute, 11th century, (1910). Alfgyfe, also known as Emma of Normandy, was married first to Ethelred the Unready, and then to Canute

Canute, Commanding the Sea to Retire, 11th century, (1777). Artist: L Hall
Canute, Commanding the Sea to Retire, 11th century, (1777). Canute (Sveinsson Knut) (d1035) was King of England from 1016, Denmark from 1018 and Norway from 1030

Stained glass image of King Canute, 11th century

Stained thirteenth century glass image of King Cnut (985 / 95-1035)
Stained glass image of King Cnut from Canterbury Cathedral

Anglo-Saxon Silver Penny of Cnut, pointed helmet type
Silver penny of Cnut (990-1035), pointed helmet type, showing both sides. From the Chester and Shrewsbury mints

Anglo-Saxon Silver Penny of Cnut
Silver penny of Cnut (990-1035), quatre-foil style, showing the obverse side

Stained glass window of King Cnut, 15th century
Stained glass window of King Cnut (985 or 995 to 12 November 1035) from Canterbury Cathedral. 15th century

King Canute trying to turn back the tide, early 11th century (early 20th century). Canute (Sveinsson Knut) (d1035) was King of England from 1016, Denmark from 1018 and Norway from 1030

Canute reproving his courtiers
Canute (Cnut) reproving his courtiers. King Canute of England (1016-1035) and Denmark (1018-1035) gets his feet wet to demonstrate to his sycophantic courtiers that even kings have no power over

Meeting of Edmund Ironside (981?-1016) and Canute (994?-1035) on the Isle of Alney
XJF106697 Meeting of Edmund Ironside (981?-1016) and Canute (994?-1035) on the Isle of Alney in the Severn in 1016 (engraving) (b&w photo) by English School

Canute Reproving the Flattery of his Courtiers, engraved by Pearson (engraving)
XJF105357 Canute Reproving the Flattery of his Courtiers, engraved by Pearson (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Anglo-Danish Warriors
Anglo-Danish warriors of the reign of king Cnut : they are wearing armour in the form of protective tunics and greaves on their legs, made of metal, or metal sewn onto garments. Date: 1035

Law / Trial by Ordeal / Emma
Emma ( - 1052) aka Aelfgifu, widow of Cnut, proves her innocence by walking over red-hot plow- shares. Tried by Ordeal at Winchester

Canute Reproves Courtier
Canute demonstrates that the flattery of his courtiers is foolish, by showing them that he cannot turn back the sea as they had suggested

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"King Canute (Cnut): A Powerful Ruler and His Enduring Legacy" In the annals of history, King Canute (Cnut) stands as an emblematic figure whose reign left an indelible mark. Depicted in various illustrations and events, his story continues to captivate our imagination. One such illustration portrays Canute reproving his courtiers, engraved by G. Noble underlining his wisdom and humility. This scene showcases a king who understood the limits of his power and sought to teach a valuable lesson about human arrogance. Another significant event etched in history is the death of Siward, Earl of Northumberland. It serves as a reminder that even great rulers like Cnut faced challenges within their realms but managed to navigate through them with tact and diplomacy. The coffin of one of Cnut's daughters at Bosham Church offers us a glimpse into the personal side of this monarch's life. It reminds us that behind every powerful ruler lies familial ties and emotions that shape their character. George Vertue's depiction titled "King Canute the Dane" further immortalizes this legendary figure, showcasing him as both formidable and enigmatic—a leader whose influence extended far beyond his time. The meeting between Edmund Ironside and Canute on the Isle of Alney speaks volumes about Cnut's ability to negotiate peace amidst conflict—an attribute often overlooked when discussing conquerors from ancient times. Perhaps one of the most famous tales associated with King Cnut is his attempt to halt the incoming tide—an act meant to demonstrate that no mortal has absolute control over nature itself. This anecdote symbolizes not only Cnut's wisdom but also serves as a timeless metaphor for human limitations in face of natural forces. From Italy during 1050 AD to dominions stretching across vast territories, including England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden—Canute The Great held immense power during his rule. Color lithographs depicting these dominions and his reign remind us of the vastness of his empire.