King Richard II

39 x 24 cm (15.25 x 9.5 inches)
This antique engraving was created in 1777 in London, England for William Augustus Russel's impressive work about the history of England. His work included famous scenes, portraits of royalty and ships.
It was made by copper plate engraving, has hand painted water colouring and well defined plate marks, is beautifully detailed and is on handmade, chain-linked paper. The engraving is on one side, the other side is blank. The paper has a lovely aged, creamy white patina. The border around the print is a little larger than shown. It is in good condition considering it is over 240 years old.
Richard II (1367-1400) was King of England from 1377 to 1399. He sought to bring an end to the Hundred Years' War. He cultivated a refined atmosphere at court with art and culture at its centre. Henry Bolingbroke invaded England in June 1399 with a small force that quickly grew. He deposed Richard and became king. Richard died in captivity. Shakespeare’s play portrayed Richard's misrule as responsible for the 15th-century Wars of the Roses.