Portrait of King Richard II of England Value Guide

This 18th-century colored engraving captures King Richard II of England in full regalia, seated upon his throne with the traditional orb and scepter. As a later interpretation of the monarch who ascended the throne at age ten, this piece is a significant example of how Georgian-era artists reimagined medieval kingship and the iconography of the Westminster Diptych.

What Is Portrait of King Richard II of England Worth?

The typical price range for Portrait of King Richard II of England is $450 - $500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the paper, specifically the absence of foxing, tears, or significant UV fading of the watercolors.
• The precision and detail of the engraving lines, which indicate the quality of the original copper plate and the skill of the engraver.
• Provenance or evidence of being part of a notable 18th-century historical series of English monarchs.
• The vibrancy of the hand-coloring, as well-preserved pigments significantly increase the market value toward the $500 range.

How to Identify Portrait of King Richard II of England?

• Examine the paper for 18th-century watermarks or characteristic heavy rag texture common in United Kingdom prints of that era.
• Look for hand-applied watercolor washes over the ink engraving, which should show slight variations in pigment density.
• Verify the presence of plate marks around the edge of the image, indicating the traditional copperplate printing process used in the 1700s.
• Check for period-specific typography in any titling or inscriptions at the base of the portrait.

History of Portrait of King Richard II of England

Richard II, born in 1367, became King of England at the age of 10. His reign was marked by significant challenges, including the Peasants' Revolt and ongoing conflicts with France. Despite his young age, he was known for his love of art and culture. This portrait, while likely a later interpretation, reflects his regal bearing and the iconography associated with medieval kingship. The original 'Westminster Diptych,' a contemporary painting of Richard II, is one of the very few surviving panel portraits of any English monarch before the 16th century and is a crucial historical artifact.