Salisbury c. 1898

Edwin Austin Abbey created this watercolor sketch, titled "Salisbury," in preparation for his historical paintings and illustrations. Abbey lived in England for many years, researching medieval life and culture, which deeply influenced his artistic vision. The artwork presents a figure adorned in medieval armor, a visual symbol of power and masculinity. Clad in blue and emblazoned with gold lions, the figure embodies the romanticized ideal of knighthood. This romanticism, however, obscures the complex realities of the medieval period marked by rigid social hierarchies and conflict. Abbey's choice to depict a knight reflects the late 19th century’s fascination with the past, a time when artists and writers looked to history for inspiration and a sense of national identity. Consider, as you look at this sketch, how historical narratives can be both a source of pride and a means of selectively remembering the past. How does this figure, rendered in delicate watercolor, invite us to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves about heroism and identity?