Mark Satchwill Art Historical Portraits:Medieval Two

"Isabella, She-Wolf of France, Queen of England"

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2008.

An ACEO portrait of Isabella, the wife of Edward II of England. The daughter of the French King Philip IV, Isabella was married to Edward in 1308, aged twelve. Edward was initially a popular King, but it soon became apprarent that he had "favourites", men who became his constant companions and on whom he relied and bestowed favours and riches, first Piers Gaveston and later Hugh le Despenser. Even so, Edward and Isbella produced four children , the first in 1312. However, she returned to France in 1325 having had enough of the situation and she became lovers with Roger Mortimer. Together they planned to return to England and defeat Edward. They landed in England in 1326, captured and executed Depenser and forced Edward to abdicate in favour of his son, Edward III, with Isabella and Mortimer ruling as regents. Edward II was imprisoned and was supposedly murdered on the orders of Isabella but it is now thought quite possible he actually escaped to the continent and lived as a hermit. In 1330, when Edward III reached 18 he staged a coup and deposed Isabella and Mortimer, having Mortimer executed. Isabella was retired to Castle Rising and lived out a long life, eventually being allowed to visit court and dying in 1358, aged 66.

"Piers Gaveston"

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor with gouache, 2008.

An ACEO portrait of Piers Gaveston, favourite of Edward II. Piers and Edward met when young men in 1300. Edwards father, King Edward I, soon came to disapprove of the close relationship and when asked by Edward to give land and title to Gaveston became furious and banished Gaveston to France. Soon after Edward I died and Piers was recalled. Though Edward II was married to Isabella in 1308, and Gaveston to Margaret De Clare, it is very likely the two men had a physical relationship. Certainly Edwards preference for Piers over Isabella came to cause resentment. It also caused resentment among the nobles who were shocked when Edward left Gaveston as regent while he travelled to France to marry Isabella, and Gaveston made many enemies among the nobility, notably Thomas Plantagenet, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. In 1312 he raised an army against Edward and Gaveston. Though Edward escaped south, Gaveston was eventually captured and taken to Warwick Castle, where Lancaster approved his execution. He was taken to Blacklow Hill, ran through with a sword and beheaded.

"Roger Mortimer"

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2008.

An ACEO painting of Roger Mortimer, lover of Isabella, Queen of England. Born in 1287, he was married to Joan de Geneville in 1301. His father, Baron Wigmore died in 11304 and as he was underage the Kings favourite Piers Gaveston became his guardian, finally getting his full inheritance and title in 1306. Through his marriage he had gained estates in Wales and Ireland and he was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by Edward. By 1318 he had joined the opposition to Edward and the Despencers. He was imprisoned in the Tower after refusing to obey a summons but escaped to France in 1323. It was there he met Isabella and not long after they became lovers and joined forces to depose Edward. They landed back in England in 1326 and were generally supported. The Despencers were executed and Edward captured, imprisoned and forced to abdicate. Isabella and Edward's son was crowned Edward III but Isabella and Mortimer ruled as regents for the next three years. In 1328 Mortimer was made Earl of the March, one among many titles and estates he was granted while regent. His greed and ambition naturally caused resentment and jealousy. After ordering the execution of Edward II's younger brother in 1330, Edward III seized Isbella and Mortimer and took control. Mortimer was placed in the Tower and a month later hanged at Tyburn.

"Hugh LeDespencer The Younger"

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2008.

An ACEO portrait of Hugh Le Despencer (the Younger). Born in 1286. In the same year he was knighted he was married to Eleanor De Clare. Piers Gaveston was his brother-in-law. Through his wife he inherited much land and property. By 1320 he had become Edwards new favourite. Hugh's father had been been a loyal supporter of Edward and had been his chief administrator. In his position as favourite he begand to appropriate land and wealth, much to the disgust of the Lords and Barons who saw him as an even worse Gaveston. The Despencers were then forced into exile in 1321 but returned a year later. The Despencers were loathed for their greed and rapaciousness, Edward seemingly allowing them to do as they please. Whether Hugh and Edward were actually physically lovers is uncertain but it is certain that Isabella despised him. Mortimer was also his enemy, Despencer having vowed revenge on him as his grandfather had murdered Hugh's. When Isabella and Mortimer landed in 1326 to depose Edward and the Despencers most of the Lords and Barons supported them and Edward and the Despencers were soon captured. The Elder Despencer was executed at Bristol. Hugh the Younger was put on trial before Isabella and Mortimer at Hereford. Found guilty he was dragged to his place of execution. First stripped, he then had scriptures written into his skin. He was then hanged but not long enough to kill him. He was then tied to a tall ladder, so all could see him. Still alive, his genitals were then cut off and thrown into the fire. Then he was slit open and his entrails slowly removed, finally his heart. He was then beheaded and his body cut into four pieces.