A watercolour of a crowded street scene. In the foreground, a soldier in chainmail and helmet reaches out a hand to a child, who is struggling to see past the backs of the crowd. On the right is a group of musicians in colourful tunics, stockings and hoods. The crowd’s attention is on a man in a gold doublet riding a white horse, who clutches his plumed hat to his chest and stoops to speak to the people. Balconies and windows in the background are filled with spectators. Flags and banners hang from the windows, and a garland strung across the street bears a pendant in the shape of a crown. In the distance a church steeple can be seen. Everything except the immediate foreground is rendered in pale pastel tones.

Historical Episode from Richard II

Egron Seliff Lundgren (1815-75)

1857

28.3 x 22.3 cm

RCIN 921345

Image credit: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021

These watercolours were commissioned by Queen Victoria for her Theatrical Album. Ordering two perspectives on the 'Historical Episode' suggests that the queen, like the broader public, was impressed by the production's spectacle.

She sent the Swedish artist Egron Sellif Lundgren to the theatre to record scenes from the play. As well as completing several theatrical commissions, Lundgren was engaged a year later to produce a watercolour recording Princess Victoria's wedding.

These works represent different facets of the same scene: on the left, Bolingbroke returns to the city and is greeted by a crowd; the corresponding image on the right shows Richard's less triumphant return to the city. Lundgren's crowded scenes capture the atmosphere of this ambitious theatrical spectacle; appearing side by side, the watercolours present a contrast between a celebratory crowd and a hostile one.

The commissions demonstrate the royal family's close engagement with Shakespearean theatre and their desire to keep mementoes of family theatregoing.

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Theatrical Album

Various artists, assembled by Queen Victoria

1852-1861

Theatrical Album

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The Entry of Bolingbroke

Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901)

May 1857

The Entry of Bolingbroke

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