King James II
1 portrait by Gerard Valck
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King James II
by Gerard Valck, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1685-1688
7 3/4 in. x 5 5/8 in. (197 mm x 143 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D7866
Artistsback to top
- Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.
- Gerard Valck (1651 or 1652-1726), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 33 portraits.
Events of 1685back to top
Current affairs
Charles II dies, his heir, Catholic brother, James II, succeeds to the throne. Despite deep distrust by many Protestants, he initially experiences unexpected popularity.James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, leads the Monmouth Rebellion ambitious to seize the throne. Following his defeat at Sedgemoor, Monmouth is executed at Tower Hill.
Art and science
Opera Universa, by physician Thomas Sydenham, considered the father of English medicine, is published in London.Organist, Henry Purcell composes, My heart is inditing, for the coronation of James II and his queen, Mary of Modena.
Writer on dentistry, Charles Allen publishes the earliest known English book on dentistry.
International
The Edict of Fontainebleau is issued by Louis XIV revoking the Edict of Nantes which gave Huguenots a right to practice their religion, free from persecution. Although Huguenots had steadily left France since the Dragonnades in 1681, this edict essentially ended official religious toleration in France.Comments back to top
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