Beschreibung:

Charles Landseer RA (1799-1879) Assassination of Alboin, King of the Lombards Oil on canvas Signed lower right 126cm x 141cm Provenance: George Graziado Jr. (1919-2000), founder of The Imperial Bank of California Literature: Art Journal, 1856, pg. 166 Exhibited: Royal Academy, London, 1856, No. 215 The full title of the painting at the Royal Academy reads: Assassination of Alboin, King of the Lombards. 'His faithless spouse was anxious for his health and repose; the gates of the palace were shut, the arms removed, the attendants dismissed and Rosamond, after lulling him to rest by her tender caresses, unbolted the chamber door, and urged the reluctant conspirators to the instant execution of the deed. On the first alarm the warrior started from his couch; his sword which he attempted to draw had been fastened to the scabbard by the hand of Rosamond; and a small stool, his only weapon, could not long protect him from the spears of the assasins.' King Alboin, leader of the German Lombards, invaded Italy in 572. He savagely murdered Cunimund, and married his daughter Rosemunda against her will. The following year, she avenged her fatherÆs murder leading a coup d'Òtat to slay Alboin.