Medieval Tapestry The Accolade - Knighting Ceremony, Tapestry Reproduction Of Edmund Blair Leighton's painting, Knight, Lady, Sword

This beautiful medieval tapestry is a tapestry reproduction of Edmund Blair Leighton's painting "The Accolade" (Knighting ceremony).

Dimensions of the tapestry: 20" x 32", 30" x 44"(this tapestry is also available in size 53" x 42" from another manufacturer).

Material: Cotton; Top Quality Machine Woven Tapestry; Extra Dense Fabric; Unfinished Tapestry Panel (Click here to see details); New. We can prepare this tapestry ready for hanging on a rod. Click here to see details.

Leighton's Accolade is one of the famous medieval pictures.

According to the History of Knights the young man was made a knight at the age of 21. This was an occasion of elaborate ceremony and solemn vows. After a purification bath, the candidate for knighthood knelt or stood all night in prayer before the altar on which lay the precious armor he would don on the morrow.

In the morning there was a religious ritual, with perhaps a sermon on the knight's duty to protect the weak, to right wrongs, and to honor women.

Then in the courtyard in the presence of the assembled knights and fair ladies, a knight's armor was buckled on, piece by piece, a sword was girded about his waist, and spurs were attached to the candidate's feet. He then knelt to receive the accolade. This was a blow upon the neck or shoulder, given by the officiating lord or knight with his fist or with the flat of a sword. As he gave it he said, "In the name of God and St. Michael and St. George, I dub thee knight; be brave and loyal. "

Attending the conferring of knighthood, the young knight was free to go where he pleased. Usually he rode forth in quest of adventure, armor on his back, his spurs on his heels, and with sword, shield, and lance ready to hand.

This item will enrich any medieval history inspired collection, any medieval pictures or any medieval tapestry collection! Great romantic gift or St. Valentine day gift idea!