The embarkation of Elaine

Details

Pollie Clarke (fl. 1893-1895)
The embarkation of Elaine
signed 'PCLARKE' (lower left)
oil on canvas
54 x 78 in. (137.2 x 198.1 cm.)

Exhibited

London, Royal Academy, 1895, no. 168.

Special notice

This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Taking inspiration from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem 'Lancelot and Elaine' from Idylls of the King (1859-1885), Pollie Clarke depicts the moments after Elaine, the maid of Astolat, has died from her despair at her unrequited love for Sir Lancelot. Her brothers, Lavaine and Torre, at her request set her upon a chariot-bier on a barge, clutching her farewell missive to Lancelot in one hand and a lily in the other, to be rowed to Camelot by their aged mute servant in order to deliver the message to the unfaithful knight.

More from Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite & British Impressionist Art

View All