Richard I Mortally Wounded By An Arrow From A Crossbow

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. (Small piece missing from bottom left corner. Can easily be covered by matt when framed).
Richard I was King of England from 1189 until death. Known as Richard the Lionheart he was a great military leader and warrior. On 26 March 1199, Richard was hit in the shoulder by an arrow shot by a boy. The wound turned gangrenous. Richard asked to have the archer brought before him. The boy said Richard had killed his father and two brothers. As a final act of mercy before dying, Richard forgave him.