King Charles II (1630-85) Reigned 1660-85 and King James II and VII (1633-1701) Reigned 1685-88

British 17th century unknown

Oil on canvas

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  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: England
    Place: Wiston House, Foreign Office, Wilton Park

    King Charles II demonstrates his alliance with his brother, James, Duke of York, the future King of England, Scotland and Ireland, in this double portrait in support of James’s succession. It is the only portrait known to include the two kings. According to inscriptions on the back of the work, it was formerly at Barrington Hall in Essex, in the collection of Cecil Henry Gosling (1910-1974) of the Royal Artillery.

    The current Barrington Hall was built for John Shales Barrington from 1734, shortly after he succeeded to the estate. The construction of the building continued for several decades and the new Barrington Hall was not permanently occupied until 1864. During this time, in 1832, the property had been inherited by William Lowndes of Chesham. It was sold to a Thomas Lowndes (not a relative) and passed to his sister’s great grandson, George Alan Clayton (died 1904), who took the name Lowndes on inheriting the property. Alfred Henry Gosling later purchased the Hall in 1908.

    A photograph of the painting in the Heinz Archive, at the National Portrait Gallery, London, apparently shows the work displayed within an elaborate plaster frame, set into the wall at Barrington Hall.

  • Explore
    People
    Charles II (1630 - 1685), James II and VII (1633 - 1701)
    Places
    Subjects
    royal portrait, group portrait, British School C17th, man, 17th century costume, ceremonial costume, ermine, robe, cape, wig, collar, riband, tassel, ribbon (as Subject - costume accessory), shoe, Order of the Garter, King, sword
    Materials & Techniques
    canvas, oil, oil painting
  • Details
    Artist
    British 17th century unknown
    Title
    King Charles II (1630-85) Reigned 1660-85 and King James II and VII (1633-1701) Reigned 1685-88
    Date
    Medium
    Oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    height: 238.00 cm, width: 174.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Agnew's, February 1977
    Provenance
    Collection of cricketer Cecil Henry Gosling (1910-1974) of Barrington Hall, Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishops Stortford; with Agnew’s Gallery, London; from whom purchased in February 1977
    GAC number
    12789