The End of the Quest
The End of the Quest by Sir Frank Dicksee features a man with a sword and simple helmet kneeling before his lady love. She is dressed in long, burgundy robes and seems barely to believe he is there.
Painted in 1921, while the time period seems to be medieval / early Renaissance, you note the helmet looks fairly similar to those worn by men in World War I. So this seems to have a double meaning - both bringing us back to those romantic earlier years as well as connecting with the contemporary audiences who were dealing with the horrors of war.
And again, look at the eyes of the characters. He is looking towards her with pleading despair. She is looking PAST him. Why? Is it too late - has she already married another? Is she just not able to accept his return yet?
The End of the Quest