The Lady of Shallot

was a favorite subject for a group of 19th century British painters caled the Pre-Raphaelites, nearly all of whom tried their

hands at illustrating Alfred Lord Tennyson's wildly popular poem  (in Victorian England) about a mysterious young woman

imprisoned in a tower by an enchantment.  She breaks the enchantment one day after catching sight of andfalling in love

with Sir Launcelot.  She takes her only possession, a giant tapestry she has woven, finds a boat, and floats off towards Camelot.

By the time she has reached Camelot at sunset, though, she has died and the tapestry and boat are on fire from a candle

she has taken with her.  Everyone at Camelot is repelled at the sight as it floats by the castle, except Launcelot, who graciously

comments on her lovely face and calls on God to lend her grace.