Richard II (1377 - 1399). Richard II, also known as Richard of Bordeaux, was King of England from 1377 until his deposition in 1399. He is a significant figure in English history, and has been represented in various ways in art throughout the centuries. One of the most famous representations of Richard II is the Wilton Diptych, a small portable altarpiece created around 1395-99. The diptych features a painting of the Virgin Mary and Child on one panel, and a painting of Richard II being presented to the Virgin and Child by his patron saints on the other panel. Richard is depicted kneeling in prayer, wearing a richly embroidered robe and a crown. The background of the painting features a landscape with a castle, which may represent the Tower of London or Windsor Castle. The Wilton Diptych is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic art in England, and is notable for its use of vivid colors, intricate details, and delicate gold leaf. Another notable representation of Richard II is the Westminster Abbey portrait, which dates from around 1390. The portrait shows Richard II enthroned, wearing a crown and holding a scepter and orb. The painting is significant for its realistic depiction of the king's features, as well as its use of symbolic imagery. For example, the fleur-de-lis pattern on the king's robe represents his claim to the throne of France, while the white hart badge on his collar is a symbol of his personal emblem. Richard II has also been depicted in literature and drama, most notably in Shakespeare's play "Richard II." The play explores the political turmoil of Richard's reign, and his eventual deposition by Henry Bolingbroke. The character of Richard II is often portrayed as a complex and conflicted figure, with a strong sense of his own divine right to rule, but also a tendency towards indecisiveness and vanity. In recent years, there have been several notable artistic interpretations of Richard II. For example, the British artist Maggi Hambling created a series of paintings and prints inspired by the Wilton Diptych, which explore themes of power, spirituality, and mortality. The American artist Kehinde Wiley has also created a series of portraits of contemporary African American men, dressed in the style of European Old Master paintings. One of these portraits, titled "Richard II," features a young black man wearing a crown and holding a scepter, in a pose inspired by the Westminster Abbey portrait of Richard II. Richard's father, Edward the Black Prince, died in 1376, leaving Richard as heir apparent to King Edward III. Upon the death of his grandfather Edward III, the 10-year-old Richard succeeded to the throne. During Richard's first years as king, government was in the hands of a series of regency councils, influenced by Richard's uncles John of Gaunt and Thomas of Woodstock. England then faced various problems, most notably the Hundred Years' War. A major challenge of the reign was the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, and the young king played a central part in the successful suppression of this crisis. Less warlike than either his father or grandfather, he sought to bring an end to the Hundred Years' War. A firm believer in the royal prerogative, Richard restrained the power of the aristocracy and relied on a private retinue for military protection instead. In contrast to his grandfather, Richard cultivated a refined atmosphere at court, in which the king was an elevated figure, with art and culture at its centre. The king's dependence on a small number of courtiers caused discontent among the influential, and in 1387 control of government was taken over by a group of aristocrats known as the Lords Appellant. By 1389 Richard had regained control, and for the next eight years governed in relative harmony with his former opponents. In 1397, Richard took his revenge on the Appellants, many of whom were executed or exiled. The next two years have been described by historians as Richard's tyranny.