Treachery of Elfrida

DESCRIPTION: The selected region features the classical engraving titled "Treachery of Elfrida" painted by the celebrated British artist Robert Smirke The artwork illustrates a dramatic event from early English history: the assassination of King Edward the Martyr in 978 at Corfe Castle. According to historical lore, the young king visited his stepmother, Queen Ælfthryth (Elfrida). While he sat on his horse and accepted a cup of wine from her as a gesture of hospitality, one of her attendants stealthily stabbed him in the back. This betrayal cleared the way for her own son, Æthelred the Unready, to claim the throne. Note the critical moment of tension as Queen Elfrida offers the chalice to King Edward while an assassin lurks with a raised blade behind the horse. Artist Robert Smirke, R.A. (1753–1845) was renowned for his literary and historical illustrations. STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm): 14.5 x 23 CREATORS: A H Payne after Robt Smirke PUBLICATION: The National and Domestic History of England PUBLISHER: London: J Hagger DATE: C19 COMMENTS: Excellent condition with some patina from its antiquity SUBJECT: People;Royals 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.