The Flight of Gradlon Mawr (330-434 AD)
Evariste Vital Luminais (1822-1896)
Evariste Vital Luminais – The Flight of Gradlon Mawr (330-434 AD)
1884, 200 x 310
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Painter: Evariste Vital Luminais
Location: Fine Art Museum (Musée des Beaux Arts), Quimper.
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According to legend, the city stood on the seashore and was separated from it by a vast pool, protecting the city from floods during high tides. The dam that separated the pool from the city had a secret door, and the key always hung around King Gradlons neck on a golden chain. But one day, the kings beautiful daughter, named Dahut, succumbed to the persuasions of Satan and took the key from her sleeping father and opened the door, and the city was flooded with water.
In some versions of the legend, Satan appeared to Dahut at Gods command, who decided to punish the inhabitants of Ker-Is for their sins. According to other versions, Dahut stole the key either at the request of her lover or in order to open the city gates to him.
Practically all of the inhabitants of Ker-Is perished, and their souls remained beneath the water. Only King Gradlon and his daughter survived, deciding to cross the sea on the back of the seahorse Morvarh. However, during their journey, they were visited by Saint Gwenole, who accused Dahut of the citys demise. He ordered Gradlon to throw his daughter into the sea, after which she transformed into a mermaid.
Having survived, Gradlon founded the city of Quimper, which became his new capital. After his death, a statue was erected in Quimper, between the two towers of the cathedral of Saint Corentin, and it has been preserved to this day.
Legend of the city of Ker-Is, Wikipedia
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The artist has rendered the sea with considerable dynamism; cresting waves are painted with thick impasto, conveying both power and chaos. The sky mirrors this unrest, a palette of grey and blue suggesting an impending storm or a moment of intense atmospheric pressure. A single seagull is visible in the distance, adding to the sense of isolation and vastness.
The figures themselves possess a theatrical quality; their poses are exaggerated, contributing to the overall drama. The rider in black seems to be either pleading for divine intervention or issuing a warning. The white horse’s rearing posture amplifies the feeling of struggle against overwhelming forces. The falling figures pose is particularly poignant – a moment of vulnerability and loss captured mid-descent.
Subtextually, the painting suggests themes of faith, sacrifice, and the conflict between humanity and nature. The raised arms could symbolize supplication or defiance, while the tumultuous sea represents an insurmountable challenge. The red garment of the falling figure might signify passion, perhaps a tragic end to a fervent belief or endeavor. The presence of horses, traditionally symbols of power and nobility, underscores the gravity of the situation. The distant coastline hints at a world left behind, emphasizing the figures isolation within this dramatic event. Overall, the work conveys a sense of impending doom and profound emotional turmoil.