“This graphite drawing by Trevor Stubley, a prolific British artist, captures the dramatic legend of Blondel discovering King Richard Coeur de Lion. Notice the expressive details that bring this historical moment to life.”
Trevor Stubley, a renowned Yorkshire portrait and landscape painter, created this graphite drawing, 'Blondel and Richard Coeur de Lion.' While the Art Institute of Chicago's record dates this piece to 1826, Stubley was born in 1932, making this attribution year implausible for him. It's more likely this is a later work by Stubley, perhaps a study or illustration, given his extensive career illustrating over 400 children's books and receiving numerous portrait commissions. Stubley was celebrated for his versatility, moving between detailed portraits of figures like HM the Queen and Dame Judi Dench, and vibrant landscape watercolors. This drawing, with its focus on a historical narrative, showcases his illustrative skill and ability to convey drama and character through line work. The subject matter, Blondel and Richard Coeur de Lion, refers to the legendary tale of the minstrel Blondel de Nesle discovering the imprisoned King Richard I of England by singing a song they both knew, a popular theme in romantic and historical art.
- Date
- 1826
- Medium
- Graphite on cream wove paper, laid down on gray wove paper
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 13.1 × 11.1 cm (5 3/16 × 4 3/8 in.)
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The expressive faces of Blondel and Richard
The intricate detail of their clothing
The way light and shadow define forms
The delicate lines of the graphite medium
1 more detail is waiting.
See all 5 in Art Whisper →Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Blondel and Richard Coeur de Lion — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.