An exclusive Alexander de Cadenet exhibition is set to take place for one week only from April 15th – 23rd at Andipa with The Retrospective Book Launch Preview on the evening of Thursday April 14 during which De Cadenet will be present for book signing and to personally unveil his new Skull portrait artwork of King Richard III. Written by renowned art historian Edward Lucie-Smith, the book covers the evolution of De Cadenet’s work in painting, sculpture and photography over the past 20 years.

Working in skull portraiture for the past 20 years, predating similar works by contemporaries such as Damien Hirst, Alexander de Cadenet has developed a signature style and creation process which involves working closely with archaeological and medical professionals. The skull portrait of King Richard III is an important piece that has an interesting story behind it.

In August 2012 the University of Leicester, Richard III Society and Leicester City Council joined forces in the hunt for the long lost remains of King Richard III. Despite Leicester University being regarded as the birthplace of genetic fingerprinting, this archaeological project had been acknowledged as ‘one of the most ambitious’ ever attempted, and the university’s Department of Genetics had their work cut out.

Richard III was killed in 1485 in the Battle of Bosworth Field, the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses. His body was buried in Greyfriars Friary in Leicester, however became lost following the dissolution of the Friary in 1538, where its demolition meant no marker of the grave remained.

The body was forgotten for some time and no attempt at discovering its whereabouts had been made until August 2012, with the initiation of the ‘Looking for Richard’ project headed by Kevin Schurer from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services working alongside the Leicester City Council. The archaeological excavation, finding success just five months after the dig began resulted in extensive evidence, including radiocarbon dating, radiological evidence, DNA analysis and archaeological results which all lead to the confirmation that the identity of the unearthed skeleton was in fact King Richard III.

Following this monumental discovery, it was agreed that it would be most appropriate to re-bury the skeleton in the local Leicester Cathedral. The Re-interment took place in March 2015, along with a televised memorial service where the Archbishop of Canterbury and senior members of other Christian denominations were present.

For further information on the Retrospective Book Launch and unveiling of King Richard III Skull Portrait, visit the Andipa Website. We hope you’ll join us and be part of this special event.

Sources:
https://www.le.ac.uk/richardiii/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhumation_and_reburial_of_Richard_III_of_...
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/press/press-releases/2013/february/universi...

Images courtesy of:
http://www.kriii.com/about-the-centre/an-incredible-discovery/
http://www.le.ac.uk/richardiii/science/osteologyskull.html
http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/media/images/81952000/jpg/_81952574_hi0...