Charles II. The eldest son of Charles I, he reacted bravely to the outbreak of civil war in 1642; first saw service aged twelve and when advised to retreat cried ‘I fear them not’. He campaigned until sent abroad for safety in 1646. Charles invaded England in 1651, ending in disaster at the Battle of Worcester. Sheltered by Royalists for six weeks, he finally escaped to France. He was restored to the throne in 1660, amid great rejoicing, but with limitations on his powers. He became adept at out-manoeuvring the opposition to his policies, particularly in matters of religion and foreign affairs. His court was notorious for its easy-going morality; the King had fourteen children by various mistresses, but no legitimate heir. Reference: The National Portrait Gallery
(1630 – 1685) King of Great Britain and Ireland, routed by Cromwell at Worcester but restored after promising Parliamentary rule. Very ornate partly-printed document issued in his name, 1p folio parchment, [England, ca. 1680], in Latin. An engraved ‘recovery’ deed with ornate images of Neptune, the Royal Seal, etc., engrossed in a calligraphic hand and set into a solid wood frame. A very attractive display piece.
Sold for $240 at Alexander Historical Auctions LLC in
King Charles II 1660–70 William Faithorne the Elder
Inscription: in plate, lower left: “Guil: Faithorne sculp:” in plate below: “The Second Charles. Heire of ye Royall Martyr, who, for Religion and his Subjects Charter, spent the best Blood, yt: uniust Sword ere dy’de, since the rude Souldier pierc’d our Saviour’s side” who such a Father had’st; art such a Son; redeem they people and assume thy Owne. J.O.” in plate above on ribbon: “Dieu et Mon Droit.”
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Charles II, King of England, as a youth Wenceslaus Hollar (Bohemian (active in Germany, Netherlands, England), 1607–1677) After: Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599–1641)1649 Etching
Reference: Museum of Fine Arts Boston
King Charles II after Unknown artist line engraving, 17th century 6 1/8 in. x 4 1/2 in. (157 mm x 113 mm) plate size
Reference: National Portrait Gallery
Charles II A COLLECTION OF TRACTS RELATING TO CHARLES II, IN 2 VOLUMES, COMPRISING: [Sprat, Thomas] A true account and declaration of the horrid conspiracy against the late King… London: Thomas Newcomb, 1685, second edition, [Wing S5067], lacking frontispiece, very stained; Copies of the informations and original papers relating to the proof of the horrid conspiracy… [1685], title page torn and defective, lacking plate, stained; 2 works in one volume, folio, modern red cloth, new endpapers State Tracts: being a collection of several treatises relating to the Government privately printed in the reign of K. Charles II. London, 1693, folio, contemporary calf, [Wing S5330], staining, rebacked with new endpapers
Sold for 1,125 GBP at Sotheby’s i 2017
Head and torso portrait of Charles II
Probably 18th century (sold)
Mezzotint
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
