William the Conqueror (Bastard)

William the Conquerer was known as William the Bastard by his detractors. His mother was his father’s girlfriend, although they didn’t really call it that at the time — neither was married at the time he was born, because of his mom’s low social status, and she later married some other guy. He later went on to conquer England. He had a good beard.

There’s just something about these men that decide to do Big Things, consequences be damned, that has me really reflective this week. A lot of people died and a lot of people suffered because this one guy decided that he simply had to be King, whatever that is.

This painting is 7.5 inches by 9 inches, and comes unframed.