King James II
Godfrey Kneller·1684
Historical Context
Godfrey Kneller's portrait of King James II from 1684, in the National Portrait Gallery, depicts the last Catholic king of England one year before he ascended the throne. The portrait captures James as Duke of York and Lord High Admiral, offices he held with competence before his disastrous reign ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Kneller's ability to serve successive monarchs across the revolutionary divide demonstrated the political flexibility required of a court painter.
Technical Analysis
Kneller renders the future king with the formal dignity of state portraiture, the armor and naval accoutrements emphasizing his military and maritime roles. The warm palette and competent handling of official costume demonstrate his accomplished court portrait technique.
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