Christian Heyden

CHRISTIAN HEYDEN (1854-1939)
"Knight Templar".1887.
Oil on canvas.
Signed and dated in the lower left corner.
Measurements: 113 x 218 cm.

Full-length portrait of a Knight Templar, member of the Order of the Poor Companions of Christ and the Temple of Solomon. Work of the German painter Christian Heyden, it shows us the personage with the complete attire of the order: white tunic with the cross anchored of red color in his chest, the helmet and the metallic mesh, as well as the shield that holds with the left hand at the time that rests the right one in the waist. The character has been captured with psychological depth, characterized by his thick moustache and lively eyes.

Founded in 1118 or 1119 by nine French knights led by Hugo de Payns, its initial purpose was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem after the First Crusade. It was officially approved by the Catholic Church in 1129 during the Council of Troyes. The success of the order was linked to the Crusades and the loss of the Holy Land led to the disappearance of support for the order.