Alfred in the Neatherd’s Cottage

DESCRIPTION: This image shows a steel engraving titled Alfred in the Neatherd's Cottage, created by engraver Albert Henry Payne (indicated by "A.H. Payne sc") based on an original 1806 historical painting by the renowned Scottish artist Sir David Wilkie ("D Wilkie RA"). The print illustrates the famous English legend of King Alfred the Great and the burnt cakes. After fleeing from invading Danish forces to the Somerset Levels, a disguised King Alfred took refuge in the humble home of a peasant cowherd (or "neatherd"). Unaware of his royal identity, the neatherd's wife left the traveller to watch her baking bread cakes on the hearth. Preoccupied with thoughts of defending his kingdom, Alfred forgot to turn them, allowing them to burn. The image captures the dramatic climax where the angry housewife returns and severely scolds the disguised king! STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm; mount board typically a few mm larger): 19.5 x 16.5 CREATORS: A H Payne after D Wilkie PUBLICATION: William Hickman Smith Aubrey's The National and Domestic History of England PUBLISHER: London: J Hagger DATE: C19 COMMENTS: Excellent condition with some patina from its antiquity SUBJECT: Works of Art; Events PACKAGE: Single one-sided sheet in acid-free mount, flat & unfolded inside hard-backed envelope. Royal Mail Tracked 24 included. Note: Images are provided for illustration purposes only and are intended to show the complete printed product, including any imperfections of age that may be present. Frames or props shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with your purchase.