The Sun in Splendour

The Sun in Splendour - original oil painting Ref: GT-MXP

Just over a month after his father, the Duke of York, had been killed at Wakefield, Edward, Earl of March faced an army commanded by Henry VI's half-brother, Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, at Mortimer's Cross in Herefordshire.

As the sun rose to illuminate a clear bitterly cold day a rare meteorological phenomenon occurred that struck fear into Edward's men; 'were seen three suns in the firmament shining full clear, whereof the people had great marvel, and thereof were aghast. The noble Earl Edward them comforted and said. 'Be of good comfort and dread not; this is a good sign, for these three suns betoken the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and therefore let us have a good heart, and in the name of Almighty God go we against our enemies'.

What they had witnessed was a parhelion (sometimes called a sun dog), caused when ice crystals refract the sun's light, giving the appearance of three suns. Edward's quick-witted response to the situation undoubtedly reversed what could have been a morale-destroying disaster, and he clearly recognized the significance of this moment when he later adopted the sun in splendour as one of his primary badges.

Edward was descended from Edward III through the Mortimer Earls of March, and his powerful Mortimer connections in the Welsh marches would prove crucial to his victory at Mortimer's Cross and form an important part of his subsequent claim to the English throne. The Mortimer badge of the white lion, along with the Yorkist white rose, features throughout the painting, on Edward's standard, horse trappings, helmet and retainers' liveries.

Oil painting by Graham Turner - canvas size 36"x 26" (91 x 66cm)

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Please read the paragraphs below about purchasing an original painting.

Price: £9,750.00

Graham Turner's Original Paintings are offered for sale by the artist himself, rather than through Studio 88, which is our print publishing business. Consequently, payment directly to him is preferred. If you are interested in purchasing an original painting, please email Graham Turner at graham@studio88.co.uk to discuss the purchase or to arrange to visit.

The cost of shipping original paintings varies, depending on their size, value and destination. Our usual shipping rates do not apply, but we would be happy to provide a quote for shipping to your address if you are unable to collect.

CLICK HERE for more information about buying an original.

The Sun in Splendour print

High quality artist-signed prints are available reproduced from Graham Turner's painting of the Battle of Mortimer's Cross 'The Sun in Splendour' - CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross - Print from a painting by Graham Turner

Also available

Another Graham Turner painting of the Battle of Mortimer's Cross is also available for sale - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross - Painting by Graham Turner

THE WARS OF THE ROSES

THE MEDIEVAL ART OF GRAHAM TURNER - Signed by Graham Turner

Graham Turner's eagerly anticipated book about the Wars of the Roses is now available.

It includes over 120 of his paintings and drawings, many newly created, with supplementary images and a comprehensive and fascinating text that illuminates the complex, shifting course of events and the people who lived their lives through this tumultuous time.

Order your signed copy now - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS