Edward I of England kills his would be assassin in June 1272 1877

Gustave Doré made this engraving depicting Edward I of England killing his would-be assassin. Doré's dramatic black and white style captures a moment of intense violence and tension. We see Edward, caught off guard, wrestling with his attacker, a dagger clutched in his hand. The scene is staged within the confines of a bedchamber suggesting vulnerability and betrayal, themes common in historical narratives of the 19th century. France, where Doré was from, was experiencing rapid social and political change. Artists like Doré turned to historical subjects, especially those filled with moral lessons and heroic figures, to comment on contemporary anxieties about power, justice, and national identity. This artwork could reflect the 19th-century fascination with medieval history. To fully appreciate this image, we can examine the political climate in both England and France at the time. By researching historical accounts and critical analyses, we can better understand how this image functions as a mirror to its own time.