Both scholarly and easy to understand, this exhibition at the French National Library  (Bibliothèque nationale de France) show the most beautiful works of art inspired by the legend of King Arthur…

James Archer (1824-1904). Le Morte d'Arthur

First documented in legendary form in the 7th century, presented as an actual historical figure at the beginning of the 12th century, subject of novels and numerous films, King Arthur still inspires the imagination.

Through manuscripts, metalwork, ivory… the exhibition looks at the the history of texts and general historical veracity of King Arthur,  exploring the great Athurian themes such as chivalry, knightly love and characters such as Arthur and Merlin.

It also looks at how myth has been approached, from Mediaeval Europe to the present day, through different arts such as literature, paintings, opera, cinemas and even video games!

The exhibition The Legend of King Arthur is at the BNF (here) from 20th October 2009 – 24th January 2010. Open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 7pm and Sundays from 1 – 7pm. Closed the 1st and 11th November, 25th December and 1st January. Admission: 7€/5€

Official site of the BNF: www.bnf.fr