The Wilton Diptych is a comprehensive account of one of England s greatest surviving medieval treasures, now in the collection of The National Gallery, London. The painting depicts King Richard II (1367 1400) being presented to the Virgin Mary and Christ by John the Baptist and two English Kings, revered as saints. The brilliant color and lavish use of gold give it the appearance of a luxury object, yet its primary function was religious, as an altarpiece for the king s private devotions.
The author analyzes the iconography, historical context, style, materials, and techniques...