Richard II (1377 - 1399). Richard II, also known as Richard of Bordeaux, was King of England from 1377 until his deposition in 1399. A portrait of Richard II, painted around 1395 is housed in Westminster Abbey. The portrait shows Richard 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. An engraving based on this portrait was created by Renold Elstracke in 1618. Richard is also featured in the Wilton Diptych, positioned between Edward the Confessor and John the Baptist. This two panel painting 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. William Shakespeare's play Richard II dramatizes the life and fall of King Richard II, but takes significant liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect. 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. Richard is a significant figure in English history. 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.