The artwork, titled “Sir Lancelot and Sir Balin,” is an illustration by Arthur Rackham, a prominent figure in the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This piece is part of the series “The Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,” by Nelly Montijn-De Fouw. Its classical style typifies Rackham’s signature approach to mythological storytelling.
The illustration depicts an intense and dramatic scene set in a desolate forest. At the center, two armored knights are poised in confrontation. One knight stands dominantly, holding a sword, while another lies on the ground, seemingly defeated. A woman clothed in a long, flowing dress and cloak stands to the right, holding the reins of a white horse and seemingly trying to intervene or witness the outcome. The backdrop is composed of tall, spindly trees devoid of leaves, blended with muted earth tones, capturing a somber, historical moment.