The execution of King Charles I

Sitterback to top

• King Charles I (1600-1649), Reigned 1625-49. Sitter associated with 330 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6232 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Images commemorating Charles I's execution were suppressed in England but numerous prints were produced in continental Europe. The first recorded engraving is the Theatrum Tragicum, published in Amsterdam within weeks of the event. This German print is a close copy but reversed. The reaction of the spectators reflects an eyewitness account that the stunned crowd groaned with grief as the axe fell. The resemblance of the fainting woman to images of the Virgin Mary at the Crucifixion is likely to have struck a chord with contemporary viewers.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 115
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 113

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Charles I: King and Martyr (19 July 2008 - 14 December 2008)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Buildings and architecture
• Group portraits
• London