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Notes

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The ancient legend tells how the Britons were betrayed to the Saxons. Rowena is kneeling and accepting a cup from Vortigern, Prince of South East Britain, who has fallen in love with her. Her father, Hengist, is standing behind whilst soldiers sit a round a table. The story was recounted, with some romantic license, by Geoffrey of Monmouth (d.1155) and given extra authenticity by being included in John Speed's 'History of Great Britain' (1611).

When this painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1770, it was said to be the first public exhibition of a medieval piece in London. The artist may have seen Henry Fuseli's drawing of the same subject from the year before (now in the Kunsthaus, Zürich). She may also have had access to Paul Rapin de Thoyras's 'History of England', whose folio edition (1742–1747) had Rowena and Vortigern depicted on its
headpiece.