A great source of inspiration for my art are the writings of Chrétien De Troyes. Currently i am working on a series of works which feature the wasteland and the Fisher king to the Knight in Red.
Chrétien de Troyes was a medieval French poet and writer who is best known for his influential works in the genre of Arthurian romance. He is considered to be one of the greatest medieval poets and his works have had a lasting impact on the literary world. Chrétien is believed to have been born around 1130 in Troyes, a city in northeastern France. Little is known about his life, but it is clear that he was well-educated and had a deep understanding of courtly love, chivalry, and the social norms of his time.
One of Chrétien’s most famous works is “Lancelot, or The Knight of the Cart”, which is one of the earliest known stories of the love affair between Lancelot and Queen Guinevere. In this work, Chrétien explores themes of love, loyalty, and honor through the character of Lancelot, who is willing to go to great lengths to prove his love for the queen. Another of his notable works is “Perceval, the Story of the Grail”, which introduces the quest for the Holy Grail and the character of Perceval, a naive young knight who must learn the ways of chivalry and courtly love.
Overall, Chrétien de Troyes’s works have had a significant impact on the development of Arthurian literature and have influenced countless authors and poets throughout the centuries. His nuanced understanding of love, honor, and chivalry shines through in his writing, and his characters continue to resonate with readers to this day. Chrétien’s legacy as a poet and storyteller continues to live on, serving as a testament to his enduring intelligence and literary prowess.
The red armor worn by Parsifal is a significant symbol in the epic tale of Parsifal, a knight of the Round Table. The red armor represents courage, bravery, and passion in the face of adversity. The color red has long been associated with strength and vitality, making it a fitting choice for the armor of a heroic knight like Parcifal. The symbolism of the red armor is further enhanced by its connection to the blood shed in battle, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fight for justice and honor.
In addition to its symbolic importance, the Parcifal red armor also serves a practical purpose in the story. The bright red color makes Parcifal easily identifiable on the battlefield, allowing his allies to spot him quickly and come to his aid if needed. This tactical advantage not only helps Parcifal in his quest for glory and honor, but also highlights his skill and prowess as a warrior. The red armor becomes a visual representation of Parcifal’s strength and determination, inspiring others to follow his lead and fight alongside him.
Ultimately, the red armor is a powerful symbol of chivalry and knighthood in the medieval world. It serves as a reminder of the ideals and values that knights like Parsifal strive to uphold, including loyalty, courage, and honor. The red armor is a testament to the heroism and bravery of its wearer, embodying the virtues of a true knight and inspiring admiration and respect from all who see it. The red armor is a timeless symbol of the enduring legacy of the knights of the Round Table, reminding us of the noble quest for truth and justice that they pursued.
A preliminary drawing for the wasteland, the Grail as a symbol of light in the darkness. Graphite on paper.
