Original 3D Mixed Media Artwork and cut out weaving and painted paper. Signed by Rosa Brown
This artwork is inspired by Aethelflaed (Lady of the Mercians, 870-918). She was the eldest daughter of Alfred the Great (Anglo-Saxon King of Wessex) who reigned at the peak of the Viking invasions. By 878, most of England was under the rule of Danelaw (Danish Vikings) and the kingdom of Mercia was itself divided between the English and the Vikings and under the rule of Aethelred, “Lord of the Mercians” In order to unite the English kingdoms not under Viking rule, Alfred betrothed Aethelflaed to Aethelred which secured a strategic alliance but acknowledging Alfred as the overall ruler of all the Anglo Saxon kingdoms. Her husband soon fell into ill health and Aethelflaed became the proxy ruler of Mercia. During this time, with the support of the then Anglo Saxon king, Edward “the Elder”, she embarked on building a line of defences across the region including Tamworth on the site where today’s castle now stands. Upon the death of Aethelred in 911, Aetheflaed became the “Lady of the Mercians” and ruler of the kingdom. The accession of a female ruler is acknowledged as the one of the most unique events in English medieval history. Aethelflaed then embarked on military campaigns against the Vikings resulting in their surrender at Derby, Leicester and finally York where the Vikings ultimately offered their loyalty to her. She died on 12th June 918, and afterwards, Mercia was absorbed into a greater English kingdom under the rule of Edward. The image shows how I imagine Aethelflaed as a strong, female warrior and ruler and even in death, she is remembered as a pivotal figure in ending Viking rule in England.
Digital print. Photo taken from the original 3D handmade cut out and handpainted artwork . Now available as an affordable print to bring colour and life to your home. This print is available in A4 and A3.
"Warrior Queen Full Body" Original
Postage and Packing included within the UK. Except for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Aprox size frame 100 x 73 cm
Aprox deep frame 7 cm
Aprox image size 50 x 75