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Catherine of Braganza

2 of 36 portraits by Thomas Bowles Jr

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Catherine of Braganza

published by Thomas Bowles Jr, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1684
13 3/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (340 mm x 251 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D10644

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Thomas Bowles Jr (1689 or 1690?-1767), Printseller and publisher. Artist associated with 36 portraits.
  • Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D11423: Isabella (née de Nassau), Countess of Arlington (from same plate)
  • NPG D13152: Isabella (née de Nassau), Countess of Arlington (from same plate)

Placesback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback 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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