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Bronze Crusader Slays a Saracen Warrior
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is probably one of the most magnificent bronze statues we have ever seen. In its portrayal it recounts a part of the sagas surrounding the historical Crusades when Christian knights waged a religious war against the Muslims in Jerusalem in a heroic attempt to reclaim the Holy Land taken by the Muslims in their quest to spread the Islamic religion. This was the first crusade that began in 1095 when armies of Christians from Western Europe responded to pleas from Pope Urban II to go to war against the Muslim forces in the Holy Land. After the first Crusade achieved its goal with the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, the invading Christians set up several Latin Christian states even as the Muslims in the region vowed to wage Holy War (Jihad) to regain control over the region. Unfortunately, deteriorating relations between the Crusaders and their Christian allies in the Byzantine Empire culminated in the sack of Constantinople in 1204 during the Third Crusade. Have our people of the West ever acted in true fellowship and comradery? The answer, regrettably, is NO, and this is why we lose so regularly. There actually were six crusades all pretty much doomed to final failure. The Third Crusade was led by rulers such as the acting Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, King Philip II of France, and King Richard I of England (known as Richard the Lionheart). In September 1191, Richard’s forces defeated those of Saladin, who was the supreme leader of all the Muslim tribes. Richard never actually met Saladin, but he came to respect and admire him. He recognized his honor, courage, and chivalry. Saladin also was generous in respect for this strong king known as “Lionheart.” Nonetheless, the battles were bloody and no quarter was given. The sculpture we offer is one of the finest, most highly detailed bronze statues we have ever encountered. The graphic historical sequence is dramatic, to say the least. It depicts an English or German Crusader knight about to slay a Saracen warrior in close, merciless hand-to-hand combat. The most interesting thing about this scenario is that the sword that is now wielded by the knight is the Saracen’s own weapon that was obviously wrested from his hand. The weapon is a sword known as a scimitar, a distinct cutting weapon with a curved blade ending with a sharp point. This was the predominate Saracen weapon. The great broadsword carried by the knight you can see is still sheathed in its scabbard while he wields the scimitar. The Saracen tries to counter with his dagger, but it is obviously too late and he maybe doesn’t mind very much as he is about to go to Paradise and see the 72 virgins—a little, white lie that probably doesn’t really have any validity to it at all. However, theirs is a polygamous society, and most men will not have wives so this is a perk given by Allah when they die heroically. Nonetheless, the depiction of impending violent death is somewhat chilling, especially if one is imbued with refined art appreciation and historical knowledge. To most viewers, it will mean nothing, but to the lovers of history and aesthetics this bronze will be most genuinely appreciated. It was probably cast in the first part of the twentieth century. It measures about 12 ½ inches from the bottom of the base to the top of the knight’s arm that's holding the sword. The base is about 10 inches long. Incredibly, the piece is not signed, but was obviously sculpted by a master. The detailing, I must say again, is stupendous! Look closely at the chainmail worn by both of the combatants. So, here we have a remarkable bronze sculpture. Who will be the proud owner? Well, he might consider himself extremely fortunate indeed.
PRICE: $3,800.00 |
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