Execution of King Charles I (includes portraits of Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron; Oliver Cromwell)
1 portrait by Francoys van Beusekom
Execution of King Charles I (includes portraits of Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron; Oliver Cromwell)
by Unknown artist, published by Francoys van Beusekom
line engraving, circa 1650
16 5/8 in. x 20 1/2 in. (423 mm x 522 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1963
Reference Collection
NPG D33017
Sittersback to top
- King Charles I (1600-1649), Reigned 1625-49. Sitter associated with 335 portraits. Identify
- Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), Lord Protector of England. Sitter associated with 224 portraits. Identify
- Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron (1612-1671), Parliamentary Commander-in-Chief. Sitter associated with 88 portraits. Identify
Artistsback to top
- Unknown artist, Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6578 portraits.
- Francoys van Beusekom (active 1642-1665). Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
This portraitback to top
This unusual print was produced in the Netherlands for the Dutch market. The upper register appears to show personifications of European states paying homage to the dead king below portraits of Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax. The central scene copies Theatrum Tragicum, the earliest engraved depiction of Charles I's execution. The narrative scenes either side visually echo episodes from the last days of Jesus Christ - his entry into Jerusalem, agony in the garden, trial and last supper.
Placesback to top
- Place portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (Banqueting House, Whitehall, Westminster, London)
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Charles I: King and Martyr (19 July 2008 - 14 December 2008)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1650back to top
Current affairs
Exiled Charles, Prince of Wales, holds negotiations in the Netherlands, with the Scottish Parliament to secure an alliance. Despite misgivings on both sides, and pressure from the Scots for Charles to sign the covenants, the treaty of Breda is agreed.Oliver Cromwell defeats the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar.
Art and science
Poet and politician, Andrew Marvell, composes his greatest political poem, Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland. Marvell become Oliver Cromwell's unofficial poet laureate during the Protectorate.International
William, The Prince of Orange, grandson of Charles I, is born assuming the title from the moment of birth. Forty years later, he would become William III of England.General-at-Sea, Robert Blake is dispatched to Portugal to prevent attacks on Commonwealth merchant shipping from royalist, Prince Rupert, based in Lisbon.
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