A WORLD-famous late 16th century portrait of Richard III will go on display at the Yorkshire Museum as part of a new exhibition.

The painting, which is synonymous with the depiction of Richard III, is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, London.

The loan to the Yorkshire Museum is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s nationwide ‘Coming Home’ project, that will see some of its most iconic works travel to the place they are most closely associated with.

The masterpiece will be displayed alongside the museum’s outstanding collections associated with King Richard, such as the magnificent Middleham Jewel, The Ryther Hoard and the Stillingfleet Boar Badge worn by one of his supporters.

Lucy Creighton, curator of archaeology, said: “King Richard III was the last King of the House of York and he remains a well-loved figure in the city.”

The exhibition will run from July 9 to October 31 this year.

She added: “It is fantastic to be working with the National Portrait Gallery on this project as it provides a rare opportunity to showcase this iconic piece of fine art alongside the Yorkshire Museum’s collections which includes one of the finest group of objects associated with Richard III in the country.

“We look forward to the arrival of the portrait in the summer and to be able to tell the story of Richard III and his connection to York in this new display.”