The Tomb of Durandarte · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: The Tomb of Durandarte
Period: 1800-1850;
Geographic: Spain; Plains of La Mancha; Cave of Montesinos
Description: While in the cave of Montesinos, Don Quixote claims he discovered a royal and splendid palace or castle, whose walls seemed to be composed of bright and transparent crystal. In a lower hall, formed of alabaster, there stood a marble tomb, whereon a knight is extended (Durandarte). Quixote speaks to Durandarte with his left hand on his chest and his right hand by his side as if to explain himself. Beside Quixote, kneeled a man clad in along mourning cloak, which trailed upon the ground. He had a black Milan cap on his head , and his hoary beard reached below his girdle. He held a rosary of beads in his hand, as large as walnuts , and every tenth bead, the size of an ordinary ostrich egg. This man introduced himself as the same Montesinos for whom the cave was named after. ,
Image Creator: Robert Smirke (Illustrator); J. Scott (Engraver)
Type: StillImage; Engraving
Identifier: mta:25512
Language: eng
Source Name: The Life and Exploits of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote De La Mancha
Parent Collection: 1818 Strand
Image: mta_25512_OBJ.jpg
Collection: Don Quixote
Subject: Knights and knighthood in art; Don Quixote (Fictitious character) in bookplates; Priests; Fiction