A special medieval treasure is on display at an Oxford museum.

The Ashmolean Museum is exhibiting the 14th-century painting known as the Wilton Diptych.

The painting, which illustrates King Richard II being presented to the Virgin and Child by his Patron Saint John the Baptist and Saints Edward and Edmund, forms part of an event called National Treasures.

This event will encompass 12 simultaneous displays around the country, all in celebration of the National Gallery's 200th anniversary.

From 10 May to 1 September 2024, the diptych will feature in the museum's England 400-1600 Gallery, marking the first time this painting has been lent by the National Gallery since its acquisition in 1929.

The function of the display is to enhance understanding of the work by reconceptualising it in a new setting.

The diptych, a highly technical painting on two oak panels hinged together, was created by an unknown artist between 1395-9.

It existed as a portable, small devotional object which originally belonged to King Richard II and is an extraordinary survival from the Middle Ages.

In the painting, King Richard II is presented to the heavenly court on the right side, where the Virgin Mary cradles the Christ Child surrounded by angels.

The left wing of the painting features an earthly setting, with the king being presented by the saints in a flower meadow with a flag held by an angel.

The exterior of the left panel carries King Richard's personal armorial, while the opposing wing presents a white hart laying on a bed of flowers.

The diptych will be displayed among other collections within the England Gallery, shedding light on and contextualizing the work for visitors.

Oxford Mail: The Wilton Diptych is on display

In proximity to the diptych, visitors will encounter other historical exhibits like the funeral pall of Henry VII, and a gold reliquary ring, a significant piece of jewellery from around Richard's passing in 1400, discovered in Thame, Oxfordshire.

A specially created audio tour will assist patrons in interacting with the painting and other collections within the museum.

Dr Xa Sturgis, director of the Ashmolean Museum, said: "The Wilton Diptych is one of the National Gallery's greatest treasures and it is a huge honour for the Ashmolean to be the first institution ever to borrow it.

"Setting it within the Museum’s England Gallery means the two greatest icons of English medieval kingship, the Alfred Jewel and the Wilton Diptych, will share a space for the first and last time."