King James II

1 portrait of Henri Bonnart

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King James II

published by Henri Bonnart, and published by Nicoló Billy, after Unknown artist
etching, circa 1685-1688
11 5/8 in. x 7 in. (296 mm x 177 mm) plate size; 13 3/4 in. x 8 1/2 in. (349 mm x 215 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1961
Reference Collection
NPG D32729

Sitterback to top

  • King James II (1633-1701), Reigned 1685-88. Sitter associated with 134 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Nicoló Billy (active circa 1700), Engraver and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
  • Henri Bonnart (1642-1711). Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
  • Unknown artist, Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6578 portraits.

Placesback to top

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.

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