Queen Mary II

after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
woodcut, circa 1689-1694
3 1/2 in. x 3 5/8 in. (90 mm x 91 mm) paper size
acquired, 1957
Reference Collection
NPG D42308

Sitterback to top

Queen Mary II (1662-1694), Reigned with William III 1689-94. Sitter associated with 97 portraits.

Artistback to top

Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (1646-1723), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 1686 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Cheap prints, often showing portraits of royalty, aristocrats and celebrities, were pasted onto walls in houses and taverns during the seventeenth century. This image of Queen Mary was loosely based on a painted portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller.

Subject/Themeback to top

Woodcut

Events of 1689back to top

Current affairs

William III is crowned jointly with his wife Mary II in Westminster Abbey in an unprecedented coronation of two monarchs.
The Bill of Rights is passed establishing the supremacy of Parliament, while limiting the power of the Crown.
Scottish Jacobites defeat Williamite troops at the Battle of Killiiecrankie.

Art and science

Thomas Shadwell, appointed poet laureate and historiographer royal, replaces John Dryden, his literary adversary.
John Riley and Godfrey Kneller are jointly appointed principal painter to the king.
Composer Henry Purcell presents his opera, Dido and Aeneas, at Josias Priest's girls' school.

International

Supported by Irish Catholics, deposed James II lands in Ireland with French troops commanded by Duc de Lauzun. Within months, James and Jacobite, Richard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel convene the 'Patriot Parliament' which re-establishes Catholics into government and repeals the Act of Settlement (1652), restoring confiscated lands to Catholic owners.

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