Lot 218: Tobias Edward Rosenthal (1848/9-1917)

The cloister courtroom, a scene from Marmion
signed, inscribed and dated 'Mar?ia Hozing E. Rosenthal 18.3.1886'
oil on canvas
32 5/8 x 42 1/2 in. (82.8 x 107.9 cm.)

Sir Walter Scott's epic poem, Marmian: A Tale of Flodden field (1808), is set in 1514 and follows Lord Marmion's plot to triumph over Ralph De Wilton for the hand in marriage of the wealthy Clara de Clare. Marmion forges a letter to incriminate his rival of treason which forces De Wilton into exile and Clara to take refuge in a convent, only for Marmion to pursue her there. Marmion had been assisted in his plot by his mistress, a perjured nun, but when he abandons her, she follows him, in the disguise of a page, but at the convent she is discovered and condemned to death. As the nun's final act of vengeance she provides evidence of De Wilton's innocence. The climax of the tale takes place at the Battle of Flodden Field where Marmion is killed and De Wilton wins back his honour as well as Clara's heart.
The painting depicts the moment Marmion's scorned lover is discovered at the Convent dressed as a page.

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