Elaine 1874

"Elaine" is a dramatic Romantic painting by Toby Edward Rosenthal, created in 1874. The painting depicts a scene from the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Astolat, a young woman who falls in love with Sir Lancelot and dies of a broken heart. Elaine is shown lying in a funeral barge on a dark river, while a cloaked figure rows the boat. The scene is framed by a somber yet romantic landscape. The composition emphasizes the somber mood of the scene, with the dominant color being the cool, blue of the night sky. The painting is a moving portrayal of love, loss, and the fragility of life.