Sir Percivale slays the Serpent Henry Justice Ford (1860-1941)

The drawing presents a dramatic confrontation between a knight and a monstrous serpent. The composition is dominated by the serpentine form, which coils across the lower portion of the frame, its scales meticulously rendered with fine lines that suggest both texture and menace. The creatures head rises towards the knight, its features contorted in what appears to be a silent roar or agony.
The knight stands poised above the serpent, his posture conveying determination and control. He is clad in full plate armor, the details of which are carefully delineated, emphasizing his martial prowess and status. A shield bearing an heraldic emblem is held firmly before him, offering protection against the serpent’s attack. The sword he wields is raised mid-strike, suggesting a decisive moment in the battle.
A lion, rendered with similar attention to detail as the serpent, stands adjacent to the knight, seemingly observing the struggle. Its presence adds another layer of symbolism; lions frequently represent courage and nobility, reinforcing the knight’s heroic role. The background is sparsely detailed, depicting what appears to be a shoreline or coastal landscape under a cloudy sky. This limited backdrop focuses attention on the central conflict.
The drawings stark black-and-white palette contributes to its dramatic effect, enhancing the contrast between light and shadow and intensifying the sense of struggle. The artist’s use of line work is particularly noteworthy; it creates a palpable tension in the scene, conveying both the physical weight of the serpent and the knight’s resolve.
Subtextually, this depiction likely explores themes of good versus evil, courage against overwhelming odds, and the triumph of order over chaos. The serpent, as a traditional symbol of temptation or primordial darkness, is confronted by the knight, who embodies virtue and chivalry. The lions presence reinforces the moral righteousness of the knight’s actions. The scene suggests a narrative moment of pivotal importance, where the knight’s victory signifies not only personal triumph but also the restoration of balance to a threatened realm.