A cartoon portrayal of King Canute (Cnut or Knut) demonstrating the futility of trying to hold back the tide (on the coast of southern England near Southampton), to demonstrate his human fallibility to his courtiers. The artist includes Victorian people and other humorous touches such as the photographer and children building sand castles in the background. From “Comic Sketches from English History for Children of Various Ages. With Descriptive Rhymes.” by Lieutenant-Colonel T.S. Seccombe, and coloured illustrations by Witherby & Co. Published by W.H. Allen & Co, London, in 1884. Canute Nobility British Culture Canute and His Courtiers (Victorian cartoon)