The Maiden and the Unicorn

Lady and the Unicorn webMaiden and the Unicorn 3 web

Two pieces based on the medieval theme of the Maiden and the Unicorn. In legend, a virgin was the only one said to be able to tame the noble mythical beast. This association became tied up with the Virgin Mary, and her flower, the rose, before the symbolism became regarded as too risque and the Virgin stopped being portrayed in red. Whereas the popular image of the unicorn in the modern day is a majestic horned white horse, in the Middle Ages it was more often described as a small goat like creature, or a combination of different animals. (Copyright Nic Phillips 2018. Acrylic on Canvas Board  10 x 14 in)