Queen Mary II

Sitterback to top

• Queen Mary II (1662-1694), Reigned with William III 1689-94. Sitter associated with 92 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Jan Verkolje (1650-1693), Painter, draughtsman and mezzotint printmaker. Artist associated with 13 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The elder daughter of James II by Anne Hyde, Mary married William of Orange in 1677. In the heartbreaking dilemma presented by the revolution of 1688, Mary chose to support her husband and Protestantism rather than her Catholic father. She is said to have come to Whitehall 'laughing and jolly' and she proved a wise and tactful queen. In this elegant portrait, an exquisite small-scale version of a portrait painted in Holland in 1685, she is shown in robes of state with the crown and sceptre by her side. She is holds white flowers in her left hand and there is a view of classicizing architecture, including a running fountain, in the distance.

Related worksback to top

• NPG 197: Queen Mary II (based on same portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Bennett, Sue, Five Centuries of Women and Gardens, 2000 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 October 2000 to 21 January 2001), p. 39
• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 172
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 416
• Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 125
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 122

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Buildings and architecture
• Crowns and tiaras
• Flowers and plants
• Jewellery