[Basilius Feigns Throwing Himself Onto his Dagger] · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: [Basilius Feigns Throwing Himself Onto his Dagger]
Period: 1700-1750;
Geographic: Spain; Europe
Description: Don Quixote and Sancho Panza attend the wedding of Quiteria the fair and Camacho the rich. The ceremony is interrupted by a man clad in a black jacket welted with crimson flames, holding in his right hand a great truncheon who many recognize as the gallant Basilius. At length Basilius planted himself before Quiteria and leaned upon his truncheon which had a steel pike on its end, making it seem as if he has thrown himself upon the edge. In his 'dying' breaths he tells Quiteria that he will not confess himself to God unless she marries him him. Quiteria has no desire to give Basilius her hand in marriage, but many of the guests beg her to grant his request including the priest. Hesitantly Quiteria approaches Basilius, kneels by his side and gives says she will be his lawfully wedded wife. Upon hearing these words Basilius gives up the act.
Image Creator: Philip Simons (Engraver)
Type: StillImage; Engraving
Identifier: mta:24832
Language: eng
Source Name: The Life and Exploits of the ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote De La Mancha
Parent Collection: 1747 Wilson
Image: mta_24832_OBJ.jpg
Collection: Don Quixote
Subject: Don Quixote (Fictitious character) in bookplates; Wedding etiquette; Spain; Faked Death~~Literature