Idylls of the King 1913

Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale probably made this watercolor and gouache painting, Idylls of the King, in her studio. I wonder what Brickdale was thinking when she set out to create this scene of a queen in her garden. I imagine she sought a way to use the visual language of Pre-Raphaelite painting to explore the themes of Arthurian legend. The careful brushstrokes and luminous colors give the scene an ethereal quality, like a dream frozen in time. The attention to detail in the floral motifs of the queen’s dress and the abundance of flowers adds to the romantic and idealized atmosphere. It’s as if each element—the delicate folds of fabric, the soft light filtering through the arched windows, and the watchful eyes of the Queen—is designed to evoke a sense of reverence. The painting reminds me of how artists like Burne-Jones were captivated by the past and mythology, which inspired a whole movement of artists after them. Brickdale captures that same spirit, but with her unique vision.