Unframed oil on board (32 x 24 inches, when unframed)
We see two scenes from the play, the first showing Henry IV (Tony Froud), and the second in the Boar's Head Tavern with Doll Tearsheet (Emma Scott) and Sir John Falstaff (Simon Russel Beale). On the left sits King Henry IV. He is looking disapprovingly across at his son Hal (Christopher Commander), future Henry V. Hal is not fit to become the next King yet, as he continually cavorts with Falstaff. Falstaff is recanting a fictitious account of his attack by an ever increasing number of assailants, after Hal and Poins (the originator of the plan) set a trap for Falstaff at Gad's Hill. Falstaff robs some merchants and pilgrims there, but then he himself is robbed by Hal and Poins, who are in disguise. They know Falstaff's account of events are ridiculously inflated lies. Hal smiles as he sees Falstaff pointing at his remembered assailants. Doll smiles as she looks on. She knows Falstaff, all too well. Hal is dressed in armour, which symbolises his transition into Henry V. He will ultimately abandon Falstaff; the King will eventually come to understand this.
Original painting: £850 use Contact Us
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Ref: Henry IV part 1
Location: York UK
Artist: Iain Will