The Arming and Departure of the Knights 1894

Edward Burne-Jones designed "The Arming and Departure of the Knights" as a tapestry, during the late 19th century, a time of social and artistic transformation. It reflects the Pre-Raphaelite movement's fascination with medievalism, as well as broader Victorian anxieties about industrialization and the changing roles of men and women. The scene captures knights in armor, preparing to depart, attended by women in classical robes. The tapestry evokes a sense of idealized chivalry and romanticism, while also reflecting the era's complex gender dynamics. The knights embody masculine ideals of courage and duty, while the women are positioned as ethereal figures. Burne-Jones, through his Pre-Raphaelite lens, creates a world where beauty and morality are intertwined, and where the past is both a source of inspiration and a mirror for the present. The tapestry thus invites us to consider how historical narratives are constructed and how gender roles are negotiated through art. It encourages us to reflect on the emotional and psychological dimensions of departure, duty, and the relationships between men and women.