Lord Ross, costume sketch for Henry Irving’s Planned Production of King Richard II 

Edwin Austin Abbey rendered this costume sketch for Henry Irving’s planned production of King Richard II. The figure of Lord Ross is draped in a heavy, fringed robe of earthy tones. The layering of fabrics and the high, ribbed collar speak to the opulence of the English court. The robe's fringe, reminiscent of feathers or fur, harkens back to ancient symbols of power and status. Consider the feathered cloaks of Polynesian chiefs or the fur robes of early medieval kings. These garments were not merely for warmth or modesty, but were potent symbols of authority, connecting the wearer to animalistic strength and divine right. This feathered motif also appears in Botticelli’s Venus, linking her to the natural world. The cyclical progression of such symbols through history reveals how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts. This sketch engages us on a deep, subconscious level, evoking the timeless dance between power, nature, and human identity.