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'Robin Hood and His Merry Men Entertaining Richard
the Lionheart in Sherwood Forest', 1839
by Daniel Maclise
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Daniel Maclise, born in Ireland,
exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts for the first
time in 1829. From then on he confined his subject
matter predominantly to historical paintings. This
painting shows an early Victorian interest in medieval
times. By 1839 England was becoming industrialised
and people were looking back to an earlier period
of perceived abundance, merriment and great sociability
between people - 'Merrie England'. These paintings
were an escape from the society people were then
living in, cramped industrialised towns. The painting
combines the stories of Robin Hood and King Richard
with Ivanhoe, written by Sir Walter Scott in 1819
(Scott was harking back to a romantic view of 12th-century
England.)
It's twilight in the forest. Amidst the oak and
horse chestnut trees Robin Hood and his Merry Men
are entertaining Richard the Lionheart. Robin is
depicted at the centre of the painting. He may have
been depicted in red because it set him apart from
his men as their leader; the red cloth called 'Lincoln
graine' was more expensive to make than 'Lincoln
green'.
All the characters from the stories of Robin Hood
are represented here: Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet,
Alan-a-Dale and Little John (a self portrait of
Maclise), all drinking, eating and making merry.
Look carefully and you will see Maid Marian sitting
quietly, holding her bow, with her arrows tucked
away in the quiver she wears on her back. Do you
think she is having a good time? Alan-a Dale is
playing music on a lute, and in the background a
friendly wrestling match is taking place.
The story goes that Robin Hood challenged a knight
to a test of skills, the knight won and Robin put
on a feast for him. Here, at the feast, Robin can
be seen raising his glass, making a toast to King
Richard the Lionheart who has safely returned from
the Crusades, liberating the country from the tyrannical
rule of King John. It is only at this moment that
the king reveals his identity as the knight Robin
had fought. King Richard is accompanied by travellers
from foreign shores; we can tell they are not local
people by their clothing.
Displayed in the foreground is evidence of an adventure
- a deer, a hare, gold and pewter. But are these
the spoils of war brought back by Richard the Lionheart,
or is it stolen property taken from the rich by
Robin Hood, intended for the poor people of Nottingham?
The deer and the hare need to be made ready for
supper. This will be hard work, skinning and preparing
them before they can be cooked over an open fire.
No oven ready meals in these days!
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© Nottingham City Museums
and Galleries. Photo © The National Gallery,
London.
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