The Wilton Diptych

Two hinged panels bring an English king into a heavenly gathering. Richard II, who ruled from 1377 to 1399, kneels before the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ. Three saints present him, including two earlier English kings. The work was made around 1395–99 for Richard’s private devotion. The blue-robed angels wear little white stags, matching Richard’s own badge. A ruler’s supporters wore his emblem, so these details place the angels among his followers. The picture joins his prayer with his belief that his kingship had divine protection. Look closely at the gold behind the figures. Its patterned surface catches light differently from the painted robes. The artist used egg tempera on oak, with gilding and fine stamped decoration. We do not know the painter’s name or nationality with certainty. A diptych is a painting in two joined parts. Folded shut, this one protected its interior and could be carried. Its intimate scale belongs to personal prayer, even though it contains Richard’s image of his kingdom.