AFTER SIR FRANK DICKSEE (MID 20TH CENTURY) The Two Crowns oil on canvas 76.2 x 63.2 cm The present work is a copy after Sir Frank Dicksee's original The Two Crowns (1900), see: Tate collection. This magnificent picture portrays a jubilant crowd celebrating the return of a prince. Most likely an English medieval prince, and possibly inspired by the legendary King Arthur, the armoured hero basks in the glory of his recent victory. Sat astride a white horse that paws the ground, he is surrounded by the pomp of ceremonial flags. Yet, the prince’s eyes look up to a representation of Christ on the crucifix, a reminder of humility and sacrifice. Dicksee’s Two Crowns was a great success at the Royal Academy exhibition of 1900. Dicksee was often inspired by scenes of myth and legend, other similar examples by this artist include The Passing of Arthur (1899) and La Belle Dame Sans Merci (c.1901).