Richard II, King of England
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Accession Number
S/NPG.77.43.13
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the striking 1618 engraving *Richard II, King of England by Renold Elstr, a master English printmaker active around 1570–1625. This portrait captures the deposed Plantagenet monarch (r. 1377–1399) in full regal splendor, adorned with a crown, necklace, flowing cape, and the chain of office. He holds a scepter and sovereign's orb, while a shield bearing England's coat of arms—complete with fleur-de-lis and a heraldic deer (his personal emblem, the white hart)—underscores his royal lineage and authority. Created over two centuries after Richard's turbulent reign and forced abdication by ...