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Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and Rosamund Clifford
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Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and Rosamund Clifford
Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of King Henry II, and Rosamund Clifford, the kings mistress, in Woodstock Park, Oxfordshire. According to legend, Eleanor discovered Rosamund and forced her to choose between the dagger and the bowl of poison - Rosamund chose the latter and died.
circa 1170s
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Media ID 23073010
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Aquitaine Clifford Confront Confrontation Dagger Eleanor Labyrinth Legend Maze Mistress Oxfordshire Poison Rival Rivalry Rivals Rosamond Rosamund Woodstock 1170s
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative medieval image, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and her rival, Rosamund Clifford, are depicted in the enchanting setting of Woodstock Park in Oxfordshire during the 1170s. Queen Eleanor, a powerful and influential figure in her own right, was the wife of King Henry II, while Rosamund was the king's notorious mistress. The legend of their confrontation in the park's labyrinthine maze is one of the most intriguing tales of royal rivalry from the Middle Ages. According to the story, Queen Eleanor, filled with jealousy and anger, discovered Rosamund in the maze, where she had been taking refuge from the king's prying eyes. In a dramatic and fatal confrontation, Eleanor is said to have presented Rosamund with a choice: a dagger or a bowl of poison. Rosamund, knowing that her lover would never forgive her if she harmed him, chose the bowl of poison and drank it, ending her own life. This haunting scene is captured in the image, with Queen Eleanor, crowned and regal, standing over Rosamund, who clutches the bowl of poison in her hands. The gothic archway of the maze looms in the background, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue. The image is a poignant reminder of the intense rivalry and passion that could exist between the women of the royal court during the Middle Ages. The image also highlights the beauty and elegance of the medieval period, with the intricate details of the women's clothing and the lush greenery of the park. The use of rich colors and bold lines adds to the dramatic effect, making this a truly captivating and evocative image from the past.
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