Wilton Diptych (1395)

Edmund holds the arrow which killed him. Edward the Confessor holds the ring which he is supposed to have given to a pilgrim who turned out to be Saint John the Evangelist. Richard was particularly devoted to Edward and prayed at his shrine in times of crisis. John the Baptist, holding the Lamb of God, touches the king’s shoulder.  The three saints are presenting Richard to the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and a company of 11 angels. The angels clearly display their allegiance to the king by wearing his white hart emblem. The Virgin, Christ, and angels are in the heavenly realm, while Richard and the saints are portrayed in the earthly realm.
The rest of the imagery is obscure. As well as the badge of the white hart Richard and the angels also wear collars made from pods of the broom plant. One theory is that the latin name for broom (planta genista) is a play on Richard’s family name of Plantagenet.
Many interpretations of the painting have been proposed. One is that Richard’s divine right to be king is being confirmed by the Child’s blessing. Another is that he is being accepted into heaven to join the company of angels. It is likely that the diptych was commissioned for private devotion, both in and as a reminder of, Westminster Abbey, where he was crowned and would later be buried.
The identity of the painter is unknown, but his technique is outstanding. From the style he is thought to be French, but is possibly English. The date of the painting is about 1395. It is painted in egg tempera with gold leaf on oak panels.