Edward V and the Duke of York in the Tower (1831) by Hippolyte (Paul) DelarocheThe Wallace Collection
This is Paul Delaroche's Edward V and the Duke of York in the Tower.
Set in 1483 in the Tower of London, the children of Edward IV, Edward V and his brother the Duke of York, are imprisoned. They sense the dark fate in store for them from their uncle, Richard, who is determined to end the regency and seize power.
This scene remains one of history's great enigmas, as the fate of these children remains uncertain, inspiring many famous authors, including William Shakespeare.
The composition of the painting directs attention from the princes to the door: the bed, the curtains, the dog all point this way.
And the Duke of York's gaze and the open book all converge on this single focal point.
The duality of black and white colors symbolizes both the purity of the children and the tragic destiny that awaits them, marked by the resignation of the heir to the throne.
The warm, vivid hues emanating from beneath the door foreshadow the bloodshed to come. In this scene, time seems suspended, and we sense the tragedy that lies ahead.
This painting perfectly captures a moment suspended between hope and despair, highlighting Delaroche's skill in portraying intense emotion.
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