Walther and Hildegund Fleeing with their Horse Metal Ornament

This design features a painting by the German artist Karl Friedrich Lessing (1808–1880). It shows Walther and Hildegund (also known as Waltharius and Hiltgunt), characters from Germanic folklore and legend. They are fleeing from their families to elope and get married together. Walther his holding the reins of a proud thoroughbred horse and Hildegund is holding on to the man's arm for support. Walther is dressed as a mediaeval knight, including chainmail armour. He is also holding a pike in his hand as a weapon to protect himself and his lover. The couple are clambering down a rocky mountain path, away from a distant castle in the background.