The Wilton Diptych

Unknown (French or English court artist) (c. 1395–1399) — c. 1395–1399 · Tempera on oak panel · National Gallery, London

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11 (KJV)

About

The Wilton Diptych (about 1395–1399) is a folding altarpiece made for King Richard II of England: on the left, the boy-king kneels presented by saints; on the right, Mary with the Christ child stands in a flower meadow among a choir of blue angels, one holding England's banner.

The Meaning

It is kingship laid before heaven: England's banner blessed by the infant Christ, its patron saints standing sponsor. Whatever we think of its politics, the picture's theology is exact — every throne is a kneeling throne or a usurped one.

For Us Today

Commit your country and its rulers to God in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1–2) — and remember where every crown belongs: at the feet of Christ the child-King, who lends all earthly authority and will call it to account.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.