Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

This brooch explores connections, materials, and colors in conversation with my larger project drawing from the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and focusing on the relationship between Gawain and Lord Bercilak. In this scene the two are discussing their game, in which each presents the other with his ‘winnings’ from the day. Each day, Bercilak gifts an increasingly impressive hunting trophy to Gawain, and Gawain enthusiastically bestows upon Bercilak a series of kisses. This game is a display of masculinity as well as tenderness, devotion, and vulnerability.