Kneeling Knight in Prayer

Kneeling Knight in Prayer

The Kneeling Knight in Prayer is a stained glass image depicting a German knight. The knight is bent in prayer inside of a church, while his shield—fully depicting his coat of arms and symbolizing him as a member of the societal elite. He is clad from the neck down in armor, aside from his hands which are folded in prayer.
This shows that knights are pious and religious individuals, and that they are not only fighting for their gains but for God, and for their community, as the church was usually the physical and cultural center of the town. The Kneeling Knight shows all of the aspects of war that were just and good, while ignoring the more troubling aspects of the violence. His unblemished and seemingly white armor gives the appearance of purity, as there are no imperfections on his armor at all. His sword is fastened along his hip, ready for battle at any moment, but still giving praise to God. The Kneeling Knight is a depiction of the idealized and romanticized warrior in the Middle Ages.

George Avdellas

Philadelphia Museum of Art

c. 1470

Stained, partially etched and painted glass

1977-167-1036

Southern Germany