King John
(1167-1216), Reigned 1199-1216Sitter associated with 30 portraits
Famous as the king who granted the Magna Carta in 1215, John was the youngest and favourite son of Henry II. He succeeded his brother Richard I (the Lionheart) as king in 1199 and his reputation has always suffered in comparison. Known as 'Lackland' or 'Softsword', he lost control of crown territory in Northern France in 1205 after a lengthy war. John's defeat and the high taxes raised to support the campaign sparked a rebellion amongst his barons at home. Civil unrest continued until John's death in 1216.
by Unknown artist
oil on panel, 1597-1618
NPG 4980(5)
'The Kings and Queens of England: From the Conquest to Queen Victoria'
by Henry Hering
albumen carte-de-visite photomontage, 1862
NPG Ax131392
'Kyng John offering hys Crowne to Pandulphus, Legate'
after Unknown artist
woodcut, published 1563 or after
NPG D33888
possibly by William Faithorne
line engraving, probably 17th century
NPG D23645
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D23644
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D23647
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D23649
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D33928
King Richard I ('the Lionheart'); King John (fictitious portraits)
probably by William Faithorne, published by Sir Robert Peake
line engraving, circa 1640
NPG D22802
probably by or after William Faithorne
etching, (early 1640s)
NPG D33929
King John's tomb in Worcester Cathedral
after Unknown artist
etching, published 1677
NPG D33930
King Henry II; King Richard I ('the Lionheart'); King John; King Henry III
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1677
NPG D34136
by George Vertue
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D23646
The Seal of King John from the Magna Carta
after Unknown artist
line engraving, 18th century
NPG D23650
by Peter Vanderbank (Vandrebanc), after Edward Lutterell (Luttrell)
line engraving, 1706
NPG D23651
The Sovereigns of England, part 1
by John Carwitham, printed and published by Richard Caldwell, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, circa 1723-1741
NPG D34141
by John Carwitham, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, circa 1723-1741
NPG D42452
by George Vertue
line engraving, mid 18th century
NPG D23642
by John Faber Jr
mezzotint, circa 1731
NPG D19190
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1733
NPG D42230
Related People
- King Henry II (father)
- King Henry III (son)
- Isabella, Countess of Gloucester (wife)
- Isabella of Angoulême (wife)
- King Richard I ('the Lionheart') (brother)
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