Sir Galahad (from Tennyson's Poems, New York, 1903)

Sir Galahad (from Tennyson's Poems, New York, 1903) is a significant wood engraving by the Pre-Raphaelite master Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Although published in the early 20th century, the design itself originated circa 1857, demonstrating Rossetti’s early and sustained engagement with the narrative cycles of Arthurian legend. This print served as an illustration for Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s epic poem focusing on the purity and spiritual quest of the renowned knight, Galahad.

The composition captures the young man, heavily clad in his armor, poised in an act of solemn reverence. The depiction is characteristic of Rossetti’s early illustration style, emphasizing dense, dramatic contrast suitable for the wood engraving medium. The inclusion of visible swords signifies Galahad’s martial status, while the intense illumination provided by the candles underscores the spiritual nature of his vigil and his reputation as the "blameless" knight. This focus on intense symbolism and romantic medievalism is central to the Pre-Raphaelite sensibility.

The medium of wood engraving was instrumental in allowing designs by prominent artists like Rossetti to be reproduced widely in prestigious Victorian publications. This edition, published posthumously, highlights the enduring influence of the artist's illustrations on 19th-century aesthetics. As a classified print, the work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The wide availability of these historical prints ensures that this iconic image remains a key reference for studying Victorian art and the integration of fine art designs into mass-market publications.