AQUÍ NO ESTÁ | Christa Zaat

Christa Zaat



Edward Burne-Jones (British painter and designer) 1833 - 1898
Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine at the Chapel of the Sangreal, 1890
bodycolour and goldpaint
51 x 61 cm.
private collection

The subject matter is based on the 15th century text Le Morte D'Arthur (The Death of Arthur) by Sir Thomas Malory. It tells the story of the spiritual quest by the knights of King Arthur's round table for the Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus and the disciples drank at the Last Supper.

Here the third scene depicts two knights who failed in their quest because they had previously led sinful lives. The story told how after many days of riding they stopped to rest and pray at a deserted chapel, but were told that they could not enter. Sir Uwaine is shown on the left, and Sir Gawaine is nearest the angel, who is barring the entrance to the chapel. A brilliant light shines from within, suggesting the presence of the Holy Grail.

It is a preparatory work for Panel 3 from the Quest for the Holy Grail Tapestries.