Walking With Pride

This image is entitled “Last Rights”. The tradition of “last rights” in this specific sense goes back to Medieval times where Knights swore firstly to their King/Queen and Country. They were asked to protect the Kingdom. Sometimes marauding armies would attack the lands and the knights, knowing they would be killed, would ride out in their regalia – knowing that they would be sacrificed for their commitment to their faith and service to their people. Before they rode out, the villages would throw flowers onto the ground in honour of their deeds, which became known as the “last rights”.

I have depicted this story with a white lion, a symbol of purity and legend in African fables. He walks with pride as “king of beasts”, willing to sacrifice himself first. He does this to show humankind that we need to rethink the way we see and value animal life as many species are threatened and / or endangered and need a drastic intervention if we are to save them. Lilies – indigenous to Southern Africa – are tumbling through the air and are symbolic of purity and strength.

Size: 220 x 120 cm // 87 x 47 in