Famous 19th-century illustration of the dramatic climax of Shakespeare’s Richard II, Act 1, Scene 3.combat between Henry (later Henry IV) Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk.. - stock illustration

This is a famous 19th-century illustration of the dramatic climax of Shakespeare’s Richard II, Act 1, Scene 3 – the lists at Coventry where the trial by combat between Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV) and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, is about to begin..►The caption “Stay, the king hath thrown his warder down” refers to King Richard II suddenly halting the duel at the very last moment by throwing down his warder (a short truncheon or baton, the medieval equivalent of a referee’s whistle). By this arbitrary act, Richard stops the combat, banishes both men, and sets in motion the chain of events that will eventually cost him his crown. ►This scene is often seen as the first clear sign of Richard’s weak and capricious rule – he fears the outcome of the duel (whichever noble wins would gain dangerous prestige and power) and so intervenes in a way that satisfies no one and undermines the chivalric code. It’s the beginning of his downfall. ► # VINTAGE ETCHING circa late 19th century, engraved by Sir John Gilbert, and edited by Howard Staunton (1882) to illustrate William Shakespeare's play. Digital restoration by Pictore. Authentic illustration free of AI