Figure 2.37 Richard II presented to the Virgin and Child by his patron saint, John the Baptist, and Sts Edward and Edmund (The Wilton Diptych), 1395–9, artist unknown, egg tempera on oak, 53 × 59 cm, National Gallery of London.
The Wilton Diptych The Wilton Diptych (Fig. 2.37) is one of the most beautiful yet mysterious paintings. Painted on wooden panels, it closes over like a hinged book to measure 53 × 37 cm. It is a royal portrait of Richard II, King of England (1377–99) and also a religious work of art, as the young king is being presented to the Virgin and Child by his patron saints.
The artist is unknown, but was likely to have been French or English.
Style and Composition
The figures’ gentle expressions and long thin fingers are typical of the International Style, as are their elegant curved poses and robes falling into soft folds.
The figures on both panels are subtly connected 44
to each other by looks and gestures. Mary holds her tiny son’s foot to show where the nails will be driven, but the Christ child leans forward to bless the king. He receives it with open hands.
Materials and Techniques
Thin glazes of egg tempera paint were applied on oak panels. The background and other details are decorated with gold tooling.
Colour
The clothing is very detailed. The Virgin wears ultramarine blue, a colour made from the highly expensive lapis lazuli, and the Christ child wears a cloth of gold. The delicate pattern in the young king’s velvet cloak is depicted in gold and vermilion red, which were also very expensive pigments.
