The Arming and Departure of the Knights - Edward Burne-Jones
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed scene from the Holy Grail tapestry series, depicting knights preparing for their quest amidst a lush, botanical setting.
This composition is a central panel from the Holy Grail tapestry series, commissioned by Morris and Co. for Stanmore Hall. Edward Burne-Jones designed the figures, while William Morris oversaw the floral foreground and the overall decorative scheme. The scene depicts knights preparing for their quest, surrounded by figures in flowing, classical drapery. The aesthetic reflects the Pre-Raphaelite interest in Arthurian legend and medieval romance, translated into the medium of textile art.
The visual arrangement is dense, with figures and horses tightly packed into a shallow space. Burne-Jones employs a muted, earthy palette, punctuated by the metallic sheen of armour and the soft tones of the women's robes. The foreground is filled with a variety of botanical forms, a signature element of the Morris and Co. style. These plants are rendered with attention to their individual shapes, creating a carpet-like effect that grounds the figures in a semi-mythical forest setting.
Technically, the work demonstrates the collaboration between the designer and the weavers at Merton Abbey. The transition from Burne-Jones's original cartoons to the final woven form involved a careful interpretation of line and colour to suit the limitations and possibilities of the loom. The result is a work that balances narrative clarity with a decorative sensibility. The figures possess the elongated proportions and melancholic expressions characteristic of Burne-Jones's later work. This piece remains a primary example of the late Victorian revival of large-scale tapestry production, where the focus was on the integration of fine art principles with traditional craftsmanship. It captures a moment of transition, as the knights prepare to leave the domestic sphere for the unknown challenges of their journey.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
The Arming and Departure of the Knights - Edward Burne-Jones
Artist Biography
Edward Burne Jones
Though closely associated with Rossetti, Burne-Jones forged his own distinct path, drawing inspiration from Arthurian romances, classical mythology, and the burgeoning Symbolist movement. His works, such as 'The Beguiling of Merlin' and 'King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid', are not mere illustrations but rather explorations of complex emotional states and timeless human dramas. He embraced decorative arts, designing stained glass, tapestries, and mosaics, believing in the unity of art and life.
Burne-Jones's influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. His emphasis on beauty, imagination, and the evocative power of art paved the way for the Aesthetic movement and later Symbolist painters. Collecting a Burne-Jones print allows one to bring a touch of medieval romance and ethereal beauty into the everyday, a reminder of the power of art to transport and transform.
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