Decoding Richard II's stunning devotional artwork: The Wilton Diptych | National Gallery

[@purkaitsurajit53]

Even after 650 years the vividness and richness of the ultramarine blue is so amazing!! The artwork is an absolute crown jewel of The National Gallery!!😍😍❤️❤️

[@Kenzalina_]

I would argue that the Wilton Diptych is the best painting in English history, up until Holbein. That enameling, and the gilding is absolutely stunning. It is an object that shows unimaginable wealth, but was intended as private devotional piece. I love that you have chosen to show it as three dimensional object. Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@PLuMUK54]

I used to take 4 school trips to London each year. There used to be free time for the students, and I would take the opportunity, when not on duty, to go to the National Gallery just to look at this amazing piece of work. I've seen several of the world's most famous paintings, but this is my go-to work of art. Now that I am house-bound, I really miss seeing it.

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

I love not just the rich materials and craftsmanship, but the subject: the sweetness of the angels and Mary as they “endorse” this young slender king, who amazingly is backed by old stalwarts of the church. The viewer is easily compelled to also admire this king, which is rather good politics, of course. Imagine the thoughts of Richard II as he might contemplate himself portrayed as only one small step away from the holy personages. That’s such a different mindset from our contemporary one. Thank you for your discussion of the materials and the enormous care taken to make this devotional artwork.

[@barrymoore4470]

It was really gratifying to see the diptych in such detail, and have all the technical elements analyzed so minutely. This is unquestionably one of the most precious works of art to have come down to us from the fourteenth century, and provides a tantalizing glimpse of the refinement and aspiration of Richard II's court.

[@nationalgallery]

We couldn't agree more. We were so excited to be able to film the details of the diptych up close for the first time. Those golds and blues 😍

[@lisaharner3720]

It is a stunning piece of work! I would love to see it one day. The blues are so vibrant and that gold work is sublime! ❤

[@josephinastover5785]

What an amazing piece! Thank you for this in depth analysis. I hope to see it in person one day

[@nationalgallery]

We hope we'll see you soon, Josephina!

[@wwaxwork]

Well that is just stunning. So very beautiful.

[@timeenoughforart]

Amazing skill sets. I assume it was done by multiple craftsmen. These were produced in workshops where multiple different journeymen, masters, and apprentices worked. As a craftsman I am humbled. The anonymity of such a workshop reminds me of the cabinet shops I learned in. It would be wonderful to produce work with such artisans.

[@jeffkeith637]

9:26 when Emma leans in to the panel and her face is illuminated by the light reflecting off the gold. A beautiful moment.

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

EXQUISITE……the “probability discussions” of its origin makes for hours of fabulous discord for the ages….very little in our world is PERFECT…..and yet 650 years of preciousness is part of our journey in striving to attain….and here we have a STANDARD we can agree sits among-us…..”loved the no cutting corners comment”….Thank You

[@elifineart]

Absolutely magnificent! art and music are the only things that still give me hope that humans are spacial and will find peace and harmony one day.

[@jordansky]

Beautiful- made me cry.

[@nationalgallery]

❤️

[@juliancoulden1753]

Thank you so much for bringing this extraordinary and exquisite object to us

[@nationalgallery]

It's our pleasure ❤️

[@Figueiredoartconservation]

This is such a wonderful video about such a magnificent piece, The restoration of the Wilton Diptych is a fascinating and meticulous process that beautifully showcases the skill and dedication of art conservators. Watching this video, I can truly appreciate the intricate steps involved in preserving such a priceless and historically significant piece of art. The careful cleaning, stabilization, and conservation techniquesthat for sure were applied ensure that this medieval masterpiece can be admired for generations to come. The attention to detail and respect for the original work are truly commendable. An incredible insight into the world of art restoration!

[@scolexuk]

My favourite work in the Sainsbury's Wing! Thank you for this profile!!

[@londonhodnet4079]

Thank you, just wonderful, there is no object like it ❤

[@nationalgallery]

We couldn't agree more!

[@juliehayne4636]

Beautiful!

[@KayInMaine]

Looks like Duccio painted it. It's similar in style to his paintings. Beautiful whoever did it!

[@lysem4392]

Fascinating video. Now I can fully appreciate this object. Thank you also for clarifying what "unique" actually means. So many words have become bastardised, and this is one of them. My only wish would have been for similar comments regarding the reverse of the panels.

[@kathybost1879]

just amazing. thank you.

[@nationalgallery]

Thank you for watchng, Kathy!

[@sacredkinetics.lns.8352]

Thank you so much; as always wonderful explanation. 🌷🌺🌹

[@APM1921]

It is such a magnificent work of art because primarily it is imbued with the Catholic Faith of the artist and pure love of country.

[@michaeldarby3503]

If this was made today it would be considered amazing but for something made 600 odd years ago is totally mind boggling!

[@peterpuleo2904]

The Wilton Diptych is discussed in "The Plantagenets", a history written by Dan Jones, on pages 472 - 473 of the hard cover edition. Very interesting.

[@virginias.poston4308]

Which other Northern panel paintings were using oils around 1395? That seemed an odd thing because I've always heard that oils weren't used for wooden panels until the 1420s.

[@owenbarnes773]

outstanding - thank you

[@AllisonMoon-SheWandersFeral]

WHEN is it in London??

[@nationalgallery]

Hi Allison, 'The Wilton Diptych' is on display at the Ashmolean Museum until 1 September. Do keep an eye on the painting page for when it's back on display in the Gallery: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/english-or-french-the-wilton-diptych

[@pinkpyjamas-ey6rw]

I do hope they put this unique piece of art behind some kind of glass panel - there are too any idiots destroying priceless art works - the Ashmoleum cannot take any chances here.

[@kerryrwalton7791]

Although painted earlier the standard of Christ as it appears hear reminds me of it's appearance in Piero della Francesca's Resurrection. They both seem to employ an interesting use of perspective. Your comment regarding possible Northern Italian origin perhaps relates to this even though Piero's is dated much later.

[@Никита-ъ1н4ж]

That's awesome!

[@nycbigbear]

But what about the other side?

[@seppoe]

E.g. At 11:18

[@PhilipMurphy8Extra]

Interesting photo about Wilton Diptych

[@kathleenandrews8171]

Even super brainy art historians don't know how to use the word "unique" properly. I'm a grammar Nazi, I admit it. Trying to set all my pet peeves free, but dag nabbit! Unique means there is only one in all the world. Nothing can be "most unique" or "more unique" or even "so unique". If it's unique it's unique. There's no comparison. Ok; I'm done. Thanks for your patience with my wee rant. Super cool video, otherwise.