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Rowena and Vortigern, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
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Rowena and Vortigern, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
Rowena and Vortigern, c1860, (c1860). Rowena is depicted in British legends as the daughter of the Anglo-Saxon chief Hengist and a wife of Vortigern, King of the Britons. Presented as a beautiful femme fatale, who won her people the Kingdom of Kent through her treacherous seduction of Vortigern. Vortigern, a 5th century warlord in Britain. He may have been the superbus tyrannus said to have invited Hengist and Horsa to aid him in fighting the Picts and the Scots. But they revolted, killing his son in the process and adding Sussex and Essex to their own kingdom. From The Comic History of England, Volume I, by Gilbert A A Beckett. [Bradbury, Agnew, & Co. London]
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Media ID 14987933
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A Beckett Agnew Co Anglo Saxon Beckett Bradbury Comic Comical G A Gilbert Abbott Ga Gilbert Abbott Gilbert A Beckett Gilbert Abbott Gilbert Abbott A Gilbert Abbott A Beckett John Leech Leech The Comic History Of England Rowena Vortigern
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intriguing tale of Rowena and Vortigern, as depicted by artist John Leech in 1860. Rowena, portrayed here as a captivating femme fatale, is said to be the daughter of Anglo-Saxon chief Hengist and wife to Vortigern, the King of Britons. According to British legends, she cunningly seduced Vortigern, ultimately securing her people's Kingdom of Kent through treachery. Vortigern himself was a formidable warlord in 5th century Britain. History suggests that he sought assistance from Hengist and his brother Horsa in battling against the Picts and Scots. However, their alliance took an unexpected turn when they rebelled against Vortigern's rule, resulting in the death of his son and the acquisition of Sussex and Essex for their own kingdom. The artwork originates from "The Comic History of England" by Gilbert A A Beckett - a satirical publication that humorously depicts significant events throughout English history. This engraving showcases Leech's talent for caricatured illustrations while providing insight into these historical figures' lives. As we gaze upon this monochrome image filled with rich historical context, it serves as a reminder of how art can bring centuries-old stories back to life. The print invites us to explore themes such as power dynamics, betrayal, and manipulation within royal circles during this era. It stands as a testament to both artistic skill and storytelling prowess captured within one frame.
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