Willem de Famars Testas
(Utrecht 1834 – Arnhem 1896)
Blondel
Titled upper right
Annotated Blondel ontdekt door zijn gezang de gevangenis van Richard Leeuwenhard and Voor m vdB on the reverse
Watercolour and pencil on paper, 26.7 x 31.9 cm
Provenance:
Acquired directly from the family of the artist, thence by descent to the present owner
Note:
On the reverse the annotation Blondel ontdekt door zijn gezang de gevangenis van Richard Leeuwenhard (translated: “Blondel discovers the prison of Richard the Lionheart through his singing”) revers to the poet, trouvère and lord of northern France Blondel de Nesle (circa 1155-1202). Blondel wrote 24 courtly songs, some motets and other songs. Although less is known about the life of Blondel de Nesle, some legends and anecdotes have survived. He bonds early on to Richard the Lionheart (king of England) and becomes his confidant.