Important History Painting - The Abdication Of King Richard II - Oil On Canvas

Exceptional and important oil history painting on its original canvas, signed and dated 1878 lower right "Andrew Sheerboom 1878".

This masterful and highly theatrical work illustrates a crucial turning point in British history: the forced abdication of King Richard II to his first cousin, Henry Bolingbroke (future King Henry IV), on September 29, 1399.

At the center of the composition, Richard II is depicted in all his fallen majesty, dressed in a sumptuous blue and gold robe embroidered with fleur-de-lis and an ermine-lined coat. With a solemn, serious gesture, he hands the royal scepter to Bolingbroke, who stands opposite him in full armor under a red tunic. The scene takes place in a grandiose medieval setting reminiscent of Westminster Hall, under the tense gaze of an assembly of barons, ecclesiastical dignitaries (archbishops and bishops) and knights-in-arms.

Sheerboom's technical virtuosity is forcefully expressed here through the superb rendering of textures: the metallic sheen of steel armor, the heaviness of brocades and the fine detail of period costumes. The dramatic intensity is reinforced by a subtle play of light that isolates the two main protagonists at the heart of the crowd.

About the artist:Born in Amsterdam, Andries Scheerboom (1832-1880) moved to London around 1863, where he anglicized his first name to "Andrew" to suit the tastes of leading Victorian collectors. He gained a solid reputation for his exquisite genre scenes and large-scale historical compositions, often inspired by royal chronicles or the world of Shakespeare. His works of this narrative scope constitute the most sought-after part of his production.

Framework and Condition:The work is sublimated by its imposing, sumptuous original late 19th-century wood and gilded stucco frame (composite Victorian / Napoleon III style), richly decorated with rinceaux, scrolls and high-relief floral corner cartouches.

The painting is in a very fine overall state of preservation. The pictorial layer shows a fine, healthy and homogeneous craquelure from use, as well as a light period varnish that gives the whole a superb historical patina. The canvas has undergone no major visible restoration, preserving all its original material.

• Artist: Andrew Sheerboom (1832-1880)

• Era: 19th century (Dated 1878)

• School: Dutch school / active in England

• Technique: Oil on original canvas, canvas: 92 x 77.5 cms. With frame: 99 x 78.5 cms

• Subject : History painting, medieval scene, English royalty

• Framing : Original gilded stucco period frame

• Condition : Very good home condition, superb original patina