Lord (now Duke) Ragnarr Blackhammer

AoA

Backlog from 1993 presented on 10 October 2020 at Aragon Court

Duke Ragnarr is a big fan of Henry V, so I used a portrait of Henry V painted well after his death (16th century) and a script that was in use during and after his lifetime. I am aware the Duke Ragnarr never looked this way, but as was done in period I combined his current image with a more youthful look to create my own young Lord Ragnarr. The self described hack, but actually incredibly talented Ollam Lanea verch Kerrigan then sampled Shakespeare's "Henry V" to write about (words and things that are nice). We may have also thrown some Batman in there for funsies.

Calligraphy & Illumination

K ValravnRoxbury MillAtlantia

Text

"O for a bounding sea, that would crash Its frothing waves on shores that grace a realmBuilt of sand and water and limpid, dreaming hope.See the dais, draped in silks and ermineWith thrones of gilded oak and polished shell.Here sits Queen Muirgen, grace and beauty wreathedBeside the Dread King Kane, in raven cloaked.All nobles to behold the joyous sceneWhen still they walked among us in their youth!Then call the warlike Ragnarr, who himselfAssumes a bat-like grace; and at his heels,Leash'd in like hounds, should kindness, wit, and prowessCrouch for employment. But pardon, and gentles all,The wan, exhausted spirits that have daredOn this unworthy scaffold to bring forthSuch sweet reflection: can this vellum holdThe memories of an age, a kingdom bright,These greying locks recast as ebonyAnd prospect now fulfilled--then still but wish? Or may we cram within these stilted linesUpon this ink stained scroll the very crowdThat did rejoice the day Ragnarr was made lord?
Thus far, with rough and all-unable pen,Your bending bard hath recalled the story,In little room confining aging friends,Mangling by starts the full course of their glory.Small time, but in that small most greatly livedThis star of Atlantia: Fortune graced his sword;By which the land's best reigns may be achieved,And of it left his loved ones over-awed.Ragnarr, wise, Black hammer on his shieldOf court and tourney did this Duke succeed;Which oft our tales hath told; and, for their sake,In your fair minds let this acceptance take.
We, Kane and Muirgen, Rex et Regina Atlantiae confer unto him the sole right to bear these Arms: Per pale gules and sable, a lion rampant Or charged on the shoulder with a hammer sable. Given on this 16th day of October Anno Societatis XXVIII."
Ollam Lanea verch KerriganRoxbury MillAtlantia
Also Billy Shakes

Materials

Winsor & Newton GouachePergamenataNoodlers Heart of DarknessNoodlers Bulletproof Black

Substrate Size

8.5" x 11"

Assignment Date

Pre-Covid 2020

Illumination Completion Date

13 April 2020

Script

Bastard Secretary

Source

King Henry V by Unknown artistoil on panel, late 16th or early 17th century28 1/2 in. x 16 1/8 in. (724 mm x 410 mm)https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw03074/King-Henry-V

Progress