Oriana (oil on panel)

It is suspected that although labelled 'Arthur Hughes', the work may have been completed by Arthur's Nephew, E. R. Hughes who worked closely with Holman Hunt. Oriana was a princess, daughter of Lisuarte, sister of Leonoretta, wife of Amadis of Gaul. She loved Amadis but, when he rode to the aid of the princess Briolania, she thought that he had deserted her and wrote him a letter terminating their relationship. When Durin returned with Gandolin and told Oriana of the effect her letter had on Amadis, she repented of her cruelty and wrote another letter asking forgiveness. When he read the second letter he hurried back to Britain where the lovers were re-united