Dick Davis: The Medieval Freeman

Artist: Dick Davis
1945 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1986
Image Size: 13.875 by 11.875 inches
Overall Size: 20.5 by 15.25 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

The first great medieval survey, known as the Domesday Book, was compiled so that William the Conqueror could know what lay within his realm ... and tax it accordingly. The survey revealed that freemen owned approximately twenty-five percent of the land. In contrast to the serfs, the freemen actually owned their land and, with their lord's consent, could sell it. They could also leave their manors and marry whomever they pleased. Naturally, the freeman felt a certain social superiority to the serf. But in reality, he actually possessed relatively little economic advantage. Many freemen were craftsmen who began their trade as apprentices. The apprentice was bound for years to a master, who taught him the mysteries of his trade and treated him as a good father might. At the end of his term, the apprentice would take an examination and become a journeyman. A dedicated journeyman would spend several years wandering and working in other shops. He would then present his masterwork to a committee and after a final examination, would be qualified as a master. Then, often with help from his family, the master craftsman would open his own shop. Although still a small businessman, the craftsman would work side by side with two or three journeymen and many apprentices.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Great Britain 22p The Freeman stamp issued June 17, 1986.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB10396

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