Absolutely spectacular & joyously beautiful.
This is one of England’s earliest portraits and pleasure to blog about.
The vivid ultramarine against the resplendent gilding is just so incredible.
The Wilton Diptych is an example of international gothic art & was a personal devotional altarpiece of King Richard II.
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As he prays, he flanked by saints, Edmund and Edward the Confessor, England’s patron saints (both former Kings), and his personal patron, John the Baptist. His family emblem being the stag around his neck. The sheer detail is incredible!
And King Edward the Confessor is holding his own ring which became the coronation ring of King Richard II.
I imagine King Richard II being a devoted and reverent man. He must have looked at this masterpiece and felt reassured as he prayed for guidance.
And, on the other side ...
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Christ raises his hand to bless the King Richard II.
It’s interesting that all the angels are identical and all wear the King’s emblem. The wings seem amazingly bird-like which is unexpected to me (and a bit strange as it suggests the angels are part of the natural order).
How lucky to have access to such beautiful art. A beautiful window into the soul of another time.
Back in those days they wore such elegant robes as painted in the pictures.
ReplyDeleteGood to see these. Thank you for sharing.
That is a strikingly beautiful diptych. I like the two angels to the right, one appearing to guide the other.
ReplyDeleteI love this diptych. It is on display at the Ashmolean until September. Do you ever visit the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge? It has a wonderful collection of religious art as well as much, much more. Actually I seem to remember you studying at Cambridge so you are probably very aware of the Fitzwilliam!
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