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Charles II, King of England

Charles II, King of England
(c. 1662)

Medium
engraving

Measurements
32.9 × 25.5 cm (image) 38.0 × 26.3 cm (plate) 38.3 × 26.5 cm (sheet, trimmed to platemark)

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Everard Studley Miller Bequest, 1959

Gallery location
17th Century & Flemish Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International

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About this work

The beheading of King Charles I in 1649 was one of the most controversial events in English history. Royalists saw it as the martyrdom of an innocent man, while republicans believed it was a necessary step towards democracy. Following England’s infamous interregnum, Charles I’s son returned from exile and assumed the throne in 1660. Prints played a vital role in rallying support for the restored monarchy. Like other engravings from this period, this portrait of the new king features a poem that positions Charles II’s accession as his rightful inheritance and reinforces Charles I’s status as a martyr.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
England

Catalogue/s Raisonné
O'Donoghue 83

Printing/Publishing
published by Thomas Crosse

Inscription
printed in ink (in image) u.c.: CAROLꝰ: SECUNDꝰ D:G: MAG: BRI: FRA: ET: HUB: REX
printed in ink l.l.: The Second Charles Heire of ye (e above y) Royall Martyr; / Who, for Religion and his Subjects Charter; Spent ye (e above y) best blood that unjust Sword ere dy’de,
printed in ink l.c.l.: PN (monogram)ason pinxit: J : Chantry sculp:
printed in ink l.c.: HONI · SOIT · QVI · MAL · Y · PENSE / (coat of arms)
printed in ink l.c.r.: Tho: Crosse excud: J: Ogil:
printed in ink l.r.: Since the rude Souldier pierc'd our Saviours side; / Who such a Father had'st, art such a Son; / Redeem thy people and assume thy owne.

Accession Number
422-5

Departments
International Prints / International Prints and Drawings

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of the Joe White Bequest