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King James II

8 of 134 portraits of King James II

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King James II

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, circa 1690
47 1/2 in. x 38 3/4 in. (1207 mm x 984 mm)
Purchased, 1873
Primary Collection
NPG 366

Sitterback to top

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

Artistback to top

  • Unknown artist, Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6578 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Whilst in exile in France a small, continental industry of portrait painting, copies and prints developed around James and his heirs as their supporters - the Jacobites - wanted icons to reinforce and renew their loyalty.

Related worksback to top

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Events of 1690back to top

Current affairs

William III, forced to leave England to fight in Ireland, empowers Mary II, through the Regency Act, to exercise authority in his absence. William, however, unwilling to rest power solely with Mary, appoints a council of nine statesmen directly answerable to the absent king.

Art and science

Philosopher, John Locke, publishes An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding and Treatises on Government, in which he sets out his notion that human understanding is derived from experience.
Naturalist, John Ray, publishes Synopsis methodica stirpium Britannicarum. It became the most consulted book for the classification of British plants.

International

William III lands in Ireland with an allied force of Protestant fighters from European states to fight French and Irish troops under James II. William's victory at the Battle of the Boyne forces James to flee into permanent exile.
French defeat the English at the naval battle of Beachy Head.

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