Una and the Lion (from The Faerie Queene)
Original painting or high-quality decorative print; canvas or paper support • Briton Rivière (British, 1840-1920)
Style & Movement
Victorian Neoclassicism / Pre-Raphaelite influence
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas or commercial lithographic print after an original oil painting; features Academic and Pre-Raphaelite glazing techniques with fine detail in the flora
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1880-1900)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated 24 x 36 inches (visual estimate from photo)
Subject Description
A scene from Edmund Spenser's 'The Faerie Queene' depicting Una, representing Truth, wandering with the lion who was tamed by her beauty and purity. The composition includes a dense landscape of white blossoms, signifying innocence, and a male figure (likely the Redcrosse Knight or a companion) in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible surface texture that may be either aged varnish or digital artifacting from the photograph and light source
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $200 (if a print); $20,000 - $60,000 (if an original oil by Rivière)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 (decorative print); $15,000 - $40,000 (original painting)
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced fine art reproduction from the early-to-mid 20th century intended for domestic decoration, unless authenticated as a period oil study.
Art Historical Significance
Briton Rivière was a prominent British artist known for his animal paintings. This work typifies the Victorian fascination with romanticizing medieval literature and moral allegories.
Notable Features
The contrast between the soft, ethereal drapery of Una and the realistic, muscular depiction of the lion is a hallmark of Rivière's skill in combining figure painting with animalier subjects.
Condition Issues
Slight discoloration and potential fading from UV exposure; possible surface micro-cracking (craquelure) if original; image quality suggests glare from a protective glass or laminate.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight; if an original painting, a professional cleaning of the varnish layer is recommended; if a print, use acid-free mounting.