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Britannia and Eve, July 1942 story page 4: 'King Louis fighting from a tree'

Owner: R Berman
Artist: Fortunino Matania (All)

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Artwork Details

Title:	Britannia and Eve, July 1942 story page 4: 'King Louis fighting from a tree'
Artist:	Fortunino Matania (All)
Media Type:	Mixed Media
Art Type:	Interior Page
Views:	303
Likes on CAF:	16 17
Added to Site:	2/22/2025

Description

This is one of two illustrations I have from this story; see the other one for historical context of this war-themed piece published during the Second World War.

The magazine feature "Old Tales Re-told: A Queen in 'Battledress'" was both written and illustrated by Italian artist Fortunino Matania. The "Queen" in question is Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the "battle" is the Second Crusade (1147-1150) in which the kings of France (Louis VII) and Germany (Conrad III) unsuccessfully attempted to wrest Damascus from Ottoman control. Queen Eleanor (of France at the time, later of England) came along on the Crusade with a band of women, but they did not participate in battle and are not seen here.

The illustration takes up about half of the fourth page, showing Louis having some trouble. The handwritten note in the margin says, "Louis, isolated from the rest, had to climb a tree and defend himself by slashing at those who tryed (sic) to reach him."

He awkwardly and ineffectually swings his sword at the attackers. His prospects against a spear and an arrow seem quite dim, so I hope his friends catch up with him soon. Did Matania choose to recall this embarrassing episode as a jab at the French for surrendering to the Axis?

Matania never skimps on details, like the boughs of the tree, the wrinkles in the chain mail, and the pull of gravity on its tails. Matania often uses white highlights; here they accent the clouds and the clothing of the attackers, as well as the shine on the top of King Louis. However the overall style is looser than the tightly rendered characters on the companion piece linked above.

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About the Owner

	R Berman ( 2 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	January 2018
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	UNITED STATES
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