King Henry IV (1367–1413)

British (English) School. Oil painting on panel (stained-red oak - ruddling - or mahogany), King Henry IV (1367–1413), British (English) School, 16th/17th century. A half-length portrait, turned slightly to the left, gazing at spectator, wearing a green robe embroidered with gold bands, red headdress, holding a rose in his right hand and a sceptre in his left. King Henry IV of Lancaster, surnamed Bolingbroke was the son of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, third son of Edward III. He deposed Richard II, and by usurping the throne gave rise to the Civil War between the Houses of York and Lancaster. There is no portrait of Henry IV painted from life and the only valid likeness is his tomb effigy so it was not until the close of the 16th century that what became generally accepted as the standard portrait of Henry IV was evolved. Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire (Accredited Museum)