Ethelred, King order of West Saxons, d. 871, Handmade Brass Rubbing, Grave Rubbing, Historical Art, Medieval Art, Tomb Rubbing, The Vikings

This rubbing of Ethelred, King of the West Saxons measures approximately 15 by 30inches. He can be made with gold/or silver heelball on black paper produced specifically for brass rubbing. He will arrive ready for mounting and framing

Ethelred King of the West Saxons died in 871, his brass was not done until some 600 years later in about 1440. The inscription at the bottom was restored in the 17th century. King Ethelred is shown as a half effigy wearing a crown, scepter and ermine tippet. King Ethelred was known for having saved Mercia from Danish Invaders. This is the only surviving original English brass devoted entirely to a King. If you are a fan of the Vikings on the History Channel you will recognize the name!

This is a very difficult rubbing to do as the edges of the brass have sunk into the slab so there are no clear edges.

Monumental brasses were produced between 1000 – 1650 AD as a commemoration to the dead, or as a special church related event. Today, only approximately 8,000 monumental brasses left. Because the metal and enamel used to create these monuments were such precious commodities, many were destroyed and melted down to create armament. In addition, many of the brasses were destroyed during the various religious uprisings in Great Britain and the continent.

Brass rubbings are done by stretching a linen rag paper over the order deeply etched monumental brass that is usually found at the gravesite. After securing the paper, heelball (a very hard wax) is rubbed vigorously over the paper surface to get an exact copy of the brass plate. A single rubbing can take from 2 hours to 2 days to complete depending in it's size, condition, and complexity.

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