The British Valhalla -- conversion to Christianity

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The British Valhalla -- conversion to Christianity

The British Valhalla -- the conversion to Christianity of the Anglo-Saxon people (Paulinus before Edwin), a suggestion for the scheme to decorate the newly built Houses of Parliament with frescoes. Date: 1845

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Media ID 23214606

© Mary Evans Picture Library

1840s 1845 Arts Decorate Fresco Frescoes Hero Legend Medievalism Narrative Parliament Poetic Poetry Scheme Valhalla Visual Westminster

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> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Boroughs > City of Westminster

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EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of London, as the Victorian era unfolded in 1845, the newly built Houses of Parliament stood proudly, a testament to the nation's architectural and cultural heritage. Amidst the bustling city, a vision emerged to adorn its walls with a grand narrative, a visual poem that would tell the story of the Anglo-Saxon people's conversion to Christianity. This was to be no ordinary decoration; it was to be a magnificent fresco, inspired by the epic tales of Valhalla, but with a Christian twist. The scene depicted in this print is the pivotal moment of the conversion, with Saint Paulinus before King Edwin of Northumbria. The Anglo-Saxon king, once a devotee of the old pagan gods, is shown listening intently as Paulinus, a Roman missionary, preaches the word of God. The sun, a symbol of divine grace, breaks through the clouds, casting a golden light upon the scene, signifying the dawn of a new era. This poetic and heroic narrative, drawn from the depths of England's medieval past, would serve as a reminder of the nation's rich history and its transformation through the power of faith. The Valhalla scheme, as it came to be known, was a testament to the enduring allure of the Middle Ages and the power of art to inspire and educate. As the sun sets on this evocative scene, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the Anglo-Saxon people and their conversion to Christianity, a story that continues to captivate and inspire us, even in the modern age.

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