Coronation Procession of Charles II Through London (from John Ogilby's "The Entertainment of...Charles II," London, 1662) 1662

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print of Charles II's coronation procession in London in 1662. It wasn’t conceived as an independent work of art, but rather as an illustration for a book documenting the event. The print offers a window into the politics of imagery in 17th-century England. Charles had been in exile, and his return to the throne marked the end of a period of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. This image can be viewed as a careful projection of power, designed to legitimize his rule and celebrate the restoration of the monarchy. Hollar meticulously depicts the ranks of participants, emphasizing order and hierarchy. The print is an example of how visual media helped shape public perceptions of Charles's reign and the institutions of the monarchy. To truly understand this work, we can research the history of the monarchy and its place in English society at the time. Through such resources, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of this image.