The Quest for the Grail: Arthurian Legend in British Art 1840-1920

This comprehensive account of Arthurian in British art in the 19th century offers fresh insights into the significance of the legends. Wide-ranging, both historically and thematically, it moves from Dyce's Arthurian frescoes in the Houses of Parliament in the 1840s to the use of Galahad in First World War memorial imagery. Based on substantial primary research, Poulson relates the visual treatments of the legend both to literature and music and to historical and social developments, such as the rise of nationalism, racial stereotypes, religious and scientific controversy, and debates about women's roles, rights and sexuality. The book also relates images of the dying Arthur to 19th century millennialism and scientific predictions of the death of the sun and the end of life on earth.