King James II
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King James II
by Isaac Beckett, published by John Smith, after Nicolas de Largillière
mezzotint, 1686
8 7/8 in. x 6 3/4 in. (227 mm x 170 mm) plate size, trimmed to platemark
Purchased, 1944
Reference Collection
NPG D11916
Artistsback to top
- Isaac Beckett (1652 or 1653-1688), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 184 portraits.
- Nicolas de Largillière (1656-1746), Painter and Draughtsman. Artist or producer associated with 43 portraits, Sitter associated with 3 portraits.
- John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D11522: King James II (companion portrait)
- NPG D11917: Mary of Modena (companion portrait)
Events of 1686back to top
Current affairs
James II, determined to re-establish Catholicism as a state religion, reverses proscription for Catholics to positions of authority, revives the ecclesiastic Court of High Commission, and admits to the privy council four Catholic lords, including John Belasyse, Baron Belasyse of Worlaby.Art and science
A collection of poems by painter and poet, Anne Killigrew are posthumously published under the title, Poems by Mrs. Anne Killigrew'. A maid of honour to the queen, Mary of Modena, Killigrew was known for her beauty and virtuous nature.International
The League of Augsburg, founded by a coalition of European countries convened by the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, opposed the expansionist plans of France.James II creates the Dominion of New England, uniting the administrations of several English colonies in North America.
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