This model, like its companion sculpture, Marquis Walter's Manor, owes its inspiration to the Clerks Tale from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The clerk, a learned and unworldly man of whom Chaucer said, "gladly would he learn and gladly teach," is called upon by the host of the company for a tale. He goes back to the great Italian poet, Petrarch, for the source of his story of the impossibly patient, and long-suffering, Griselda, who is subjected to a series of sadistic tests of her obedience by a cruel and perverted husband.
   The beautiful Griselda has been reared in poverty in a little steading near the 'noble palace' to which Marquis Walter brings his bride. He embarks upon twelve years of torture, including taking away her baby son and daughter, ostensibly to be killed, and later sending Griselda back to the poverty of her father's home. Griselda endures all of this with unbelievable saintliness until, as is the way with fairy tales, she is rewarded by being reinstated with the Marquis -- though whether life with such a husband could be considered a reward is somewhat debatable.