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King James II

1 portrait matching these criteria:

- npg number matching '666'

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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

Sitterback to top

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

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

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.

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