Who painted Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon?

Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon was painted by Lucas van Leyden in 1516.

Where can I see Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon?

Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon?

Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon

Lucas van Leyden , 1516

Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfry of Bouillon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1516, this woodcut by Dutch artist Lucas van Leyden portrays three legendary rulers—Arthur, Charlemagne and Godfrey of Bouillon—mounted on horses. The figures are positioned side by side, each distinguished by unique dress and symbols of authority, set against a faintly rendered landscape that provides a neutral backdrop for the narrative scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition brings together three iconic leaders from medieval lore, linking the mythic past of King Arthur with the historical weight of Charlemagne and the crusading spirit of Godfrey of Bouillon. Their crowns, weapons and emblems suggest a collective embodiment of chivalric ideals and the continuity of heroic authority across centuries.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodcut, the print relies on strong, clean lines and careful hatching to convey texture in armor, fabric and the horses' musculature. Van Leyden’s handling of negative space creates a subtle tonal background, while the crisp delineation of individual elements reflects the Northern Renaissance’s focus on detailed, narrative-driven imagery.

History & Provenance

Lucas van Leyden (1494–1533) was a prominent figure in early Dutch printmaking, known for both engraving and woodcut. This 1516 work belongs to his mature period, when he was expanding the possibilities of the medium. The piece has circulated among collections of Renaissance prints and is documented in several catalogues of Northern European graphic art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Lucas van Leyden

Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.