King Richard the Lionheart has been recognized in this series of tiles for at least a century, identifiable by the combination of his crown, the three lions of England on his shield, and his exotic-looking opponent. Richard rides intently and mercilessly, balancing the lance between the ears of his horse. His mount moves at a flying gallop, as indicated by the raised front hooves, and Richard uses the tensed strength of his entire body, propelled by his horse, to thrust the lance into the body of his enemy, Saladin. The image is propagandistic: not only did Richard never subdue Saladin in single combat; the two never even encountered each other in a duel, although they were military opponents in the Third Crusade. Nor was the the Third Crusade concluded with an English or Crusader victory: it ended with a truce.