Chivalry Sir Frank Bernard Dicksee (1853-1928)

The painting depicts a dramatic scene in a woodland setting at dawn. A victorious knight, clad in gleaming armor, stands triumphantly with his sword raised in his right hand. His gaze is directed downwards, perhaps towards the fallen warrior lying defeated amidst the undergrowth. This defeated knight, also in armor, appears to have been disarmed and is resting on his side, with his helmet discarded nearby.
Dominating the right side of the canvas is a woman with long, flowing red hair. She is dressed in a dark, flowing gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, revealing a fair amount of her décolletage. Her expression is one of shock or apprehension, and her eyes are wide as she looks to her left, presumably at the victorious knight. A vibrant red cloth spills dramatically onto the ground in front of her, contrasting with her dark attire and the surrounding foliage. In the background, a horse is visible, suggesting the presence of more characters or the mode of transport for some of the figures. The sky displays the soft colors of sunrise, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the scene.
The subtext of Chivalry points to the complex interplay of themes associated with medieval romance and heroism. The title itself alludes to the code of conduct ascribed to knights, emphasizing virtues like courage, honor, and courtesy. However, the painting can be interpreted in several ways. It might celebrate the gallantry of the victorious knight, showcasing his prowess in battle. Alternatively, it could explore the emotional and dramatic consequences of such conflict, as suggested by the distressed woman and the defeated knight. The presence of the woman, her exposed shoulders, and her evident distress, alongside the defeated warrior, could hint at themes of protection, courtly love, or even the violence that underpins these romantic ideals. The stark contrast between the gleaming, upright knight and the fallen, disarmed one underscores the binary of victory and defeat, power and vulnerability. The dramatic lighting and the lush, almost oppressive, natural setting add to the overall atmosphere of heightened emotion and narrative tension.