The Wedding of Sir Gawain (The Knight’s Bridal)

James Smetham, 1821-89

1864

Oil on panel

9 x 6 inches (22.8 x 15.2 cm)

Private collection.

This is the preliminary oil sketch for the finished painting. The figures, and particularly their faces, are carried to a much greater state of finish in the final version. The bridal dress of Ragnell has also been significantly modified and in the sketch she is not wearing a veil.

[Click on the image to enlarge it.]