Lancelot Slays the Caitiff Knight Sir Tarquin and Rescues the Fair Lady and the Knight in Captivity 

Frank Cadogan Cowper made this painting of Lancelot and Sir Tarquin sometime in the early 20th century. Here we have the quintessential pre-Raphaelite damsel awaiting her knight in shining armor. It's a scene of rescue and chivalry based on Arthurian legend, but it's also a window into the social and cultural values of early 20th century England. Cowper's use of medieval subject matter and the pre-Raphaelite style, with its attention to detail and romantic idealization, speak to a longing for a simpler, more virtuous past. The painting also evokes the social hierarchy and gender roles of the time, with the helpless woman in need of rescue by the brave knight. To fully understand this image, we need to consider the visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations embedded within it. Research into the history of chivalry and the pre-Raphaelite movement would reveal much about the social conditions that shaped this artistic production. The public role of art, the politics of imagery, and the power of art to challenge existing social norms are all at play here.