Lady Godiva was an 11th-century Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who, according to legend, took pity on the people of Coventry, who were suffering under her husband’s oppressive taxation. Lady Godiva appealed to her husband, who obstinately refused to remit the tolls. At last, weary of her entreaties, he said he would grant her request if she would strip naked and ride on a horse through the streets of the town. Lady Godiva took him at his word and, after issuing a proclamation that all persons should stay indoors and shut their windows, she rode through the town, clothed only in her long hair. Godiva’s husband keeps his word and abolishes the taxes. Tienie depicted her riding astride, because the first side-saddle allowing limited control of the horse was only introduced in England in the 14th century.
Dimensions: 640 mm high x 610 mm x 260 mm
Series of 15