Elizabeth Woodville Surrendering Her Son

DESCRIPTION: This 19th-century historical engraving is titled "Elizabeth Woodville Surrendering Her Son", based on a work by painter John Opie. It illustrates Queen Dowager Elizabeth Woodville tearfully parting with her young son, Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, inside Westminster Abbey. [1, 2, 3] The Scene: Following the death of King Edward IV in 1483, his widow Elizabeth Woodville sought sanctuary at Westminster Abbey with her children to protect them from political rivals. [1, 2] The Figures: The print shows Elizabeth Woodville looking up in distress, her young son Richard in the center, and Cardinal Thomas Bourchier urging her to release the boy. [1] Publication: This specific version appeared as an illustration in The National and Domestic History of England (1878) by William Hickman Smith Aubrey, engraved by Walther after John Opie. [1, 2] Fateful Outcome: Surrendering the young Duke of York led to him and his older brother (the deposed King Edward V) being housed in the Tower of London, where they famously disappeared. [1, 2] STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm; mount board typically a few mm larger): 13.5 x 22 CREATORS: Walther after J Opie PUBLICATION: William Hickman Smith Aubrey's The National and Domestic History of England PUBLISHER: London: J Hagger DATE: C19 COMMENTS: Fabulous condition with some patina from its antiquity SUBJECT: Works of Art; Events; Royals PACKAGE: Single one-sided sheet in acid-free mount, flat & unfolded inside hard-backed envelope. Royal Mail Tracked 24 included. Note: Images are provided for illustration purposes only and are intended to show the complete printed product, including any imperfections of age that may be present. Frames or props shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with your purchase.