King James II
1 portrait matching these criteria:
- npg number matching '666'
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
King James II
by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
oil on canvas, 1684
96 3/4 in. x 56 3/4 in. (2456 mm x 1441 mm) overall
Purchased, 1882
Primary Collection
NPG 666
Artistback to top
- Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (1646-1723), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 1686 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 123
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 332
- Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 107
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1684back to top
Current affairs
James, Duke of York's influence grows within Charles II's government; the Admiralty commission is abolished, allowing James to resume his role as lord admiral, in all but name. A new generation of Tories, supporters of James are bestowed with influential roles, including Sir George Jeffreys, recently appointed Lord Chief Justice.Art and science
Italian decorative artist, Antonio Verrio, is appointed 'principal Gardiner and Surveyor' to the King.Author, John Bunyan, publishes the second part of his Pilgrim's Progress.
International
Luxembourg surrenders to French forces. Renewed fighting between the French Bourbons and the Spanish Habsburgs had broken out the year before when French troops laid seize to Luxembourg and entered the Spanish Netherlands. Charles II rejects Spanish demands for assistance, determined to remain detached from the conflict.Tell us more back to top
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