The artwork titled “Tristan comes to Tintagel dressed as a jester,” created by Arthur Rackham, belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of illustration. It is part of “The Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table” series, authored by Nelly Montijn-De Fouw.
The artwork features a detailed line drawing of Tristan attired in a jester’s garb. His outfit is characterized by a pointed hat adorned with bells, a tunic with a jagged hem also festooned with bells, and tights that enhance his tall, slender figure. He holds a jester’s staff in his right hand, depicting a small puppet head with a similar jester’s hat. The intricate line work captures the whimsical yet slightly melancholic character of Tristan, emphasizing the contrast between his noble origins and his current guise. The simplicity of the black and white illustration leaves much to the imagination, allowing viewers to delve into the legendary narrative and its underlying themes.