<p>Symbolic of the rite of passage ceremonies common to Medieval times, the <b>Accolade tapestry</b> by Edmund Blair Leighton</a> offers a striking illustration of the dubbing of a young man into the brotherhood of Knights. With a gentle tapping of the flat side of a sword to the upcoming Knight's left shoulder, one can almost sense the anticipation of what is to follow. Those who gaze upon its complete picture will envision the next step of embracing the neck in welcome by royal onlookers.</p>
<p>Edmund Blair Leighton was born in 1853 and died with a plethora of paintings to his credit in 1922. However, little is known about Edmund except a few insights into his life and career. He was a university-educated painter whose work was displayed at the Royal Academy for over 40 years. In his own life, he fulfilled his romantic notions by raising a family with his wife, Kathryn, in London. He made living painting pictorials from and for books, but rarely made a public appearance to claim the fame his portraits now carry.</p>
From a painting/artwork Edmund Blair Leighton produced in 1901.
