In Time of Peril by Edmund Blair Leighton

In Time of Peril, created by Edmund Blair Leighton, debuted at the Royal Academy exhibition in 1897, coinciding with Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. This setting complemented Leighton's focus on chivalric themes, which resonated with the Victorian ideals of nobility and duty. His work aligned with the Arthurian Revival, reflecting a nostalgia for an idealized heroic past, and appealed to audiences seeking a connection to the values of bravery and honor from historical legends.

The painting's narrative unfolds at a monastery's water gate in the fourteenth century, illustrating a moment of tension as adults in a boat look to an elderly friar for sanctuary. Leighton's emphasis on a child's fearful glance over their shoulder serves to heighten the emotional stakes, suggesting that danger is still close at hand. This combination of historical detail with universal themes of fear, protection, and hope makes In Time of Peril a timeless piece that resonates with viewers across generations, reflecting the enduring relevance of these human experiences.