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King John

(1167-1216), Reigned 1199-1216

Sitter associated with 30 portraits
Famous as the king who granted the Magna Carta in 1215, John was the youngest and favourite son of Henry II. He succeeded his brother Richard I (the Lionheart) as king in 1199 and his reputation has always suffered in comparison. Known as 'Lackland' or 'Softsword', he lost control of crown territory in Northern France in 1205 after a lengthy war. John's defeat and the high taxes raised to support the campaign sparked a rebellion amongst his barons at home. Civil unrest continued until John's death in 1216.

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King John, possibly by William Faithorne - NPG D23645

King John

possibly by William Faithorne
line engraving, probably 17th century
NPG D23645

King John, by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke) - NPG D23644

King John

by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D23644

King John, by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke) - NPG D23647

King John

by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D23647

King John, by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke) - NPG D23649

King John

by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D23649

King John, by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke) - NPG D33928

King John

by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1618
NPG D33928

King Richard I ('the Lionheart'); King John (fictitious portraits), probably by William Faithorne, published by  Sir Robert Peake - NPG D22802

King Richard I ('the Lionheart'); King John (fictitious portraits)

probably by William Faithorne, published by Sir Robert Peake
line engraving, circa 1640
NPG D22802

King John, probably by or after William Faithorne - NPG D33929

King John

probably by or after William Faithorne
etching, (early 1640s)
NPG D33929

King John, by George Vertue - NPG D23646

King John

by George Vertue
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D23646

King John, by Peter Vanderbank (Vandrebanc), after  Edward Lutterell (Luttrell) - NPG D23651

King John

by Peter Vanderbank (Vandrebanc), after Edward Lutterell (Luttrell)
line engraving, 1706
NPG D23651

The Sovereigns of England, part 1, by John Carwitham, printed and published by  Richard Caldwell, after  Unknown artist - NPG D34141

The Sovereigns of England, part 1

by John Carwitham, printed and published by Richard Caldwell, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, circa 1723-1741
NPG D34141

King John, by John Carwitham, after  Unknown artist - NPG D42452

King John

by John Carwitham, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, circa 1723-1741
NPG D42452

King John, by George Vertue - NPG D23642

King John

by George Vertue
line engraving, mid 18th century
NPG D23642

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