Roland and the Oliphant, 2010. 24" x 36". acrylic on canvas.
This painting came about after reading the epic poem or chanson de geste about the brave final stand of Charlemagne's finest paladins called The Song of Roland. Betrayed by one of their own, the knights die to a man defending the rear of Charlemagne's battle host.
The historical fact of what happened was embellished by the original scribe and as a result the enemies that attacked the Franks at Roncevaux Pass changed from Basques of Spain into Muslims. The geographical location of the ambush was in Spain where Charlemagne was looking to further his empire. After a lengthy campaign against the Saracens, the king is tricked to return to France under false pretenses. Roland is charged with guarding the baggage train at the rear of the retreating French. Roland and the twenty thousand knights are buried under four hundred thousand Saracens. Though the paladins and their retinue put up a valiant fight and slay thousands and thousand, they cannot unearth themselves from the devastating numbers. In a final act of superhuman strength Roland takes the oliphant-horn to his lips and blows to summon Charlemagne's throng back to aid. The shear exertion bursts the temples of Roland and he succumbs to these and the many wounds received on the pitch of battle.
Depicted in the painting is Roland in his last act. He has mutilated Marsile, the Saracen king of Spain by cutting off his hand. Olivier and the others paladins have laid down their lives at a high price and brought honor forever to their names. Durendal, 'to endure', the unbreakable sword of Roland has been swung through the last of its victims. Two angels descend; come to take Roland's soul.
As you can see I tried to utilize many aspects seen in historical battle paintings. Dramatic clouds with bright highlights and dark shadow, flowing luscious cloth / banners, swirling figures and gestural poses, deep color pallets.
I also tried to take inspiration from medieval drawing and costumes.
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