King Charles II

Sitterback to top

• King Charles II (1630-1685), Reigned 1660-85. Sitter associated with 292 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Thomas Hawker (died circa 1722). Artist associated with 6 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait of Charles II shows him towards the end of his life, looking rather lascivious and a little glum. It is not a particularly attractive image but an important one, assumed to have been painted by the minor artist Thomas (or Edward) Hawker, on the basis of a comparison with a portrait of the 1st Duke of Grafton at Euston Hall in Suffolk.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Cooper, John, Visitor's Guide, 2000, p. 38
• John Cooper, National Portrait Gallery Visitor's Guide, 2006, p. 39
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 73
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 73
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 117

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Chairs
• Kings and Queens tour
• On display at the Gallery