Portret van Karel II van Engeland c. 1683 - 1687

Isaac Beckett produced this mezzotint portrait of Charles II of England in the late 17th or early 18th century. The image presents Charles as a powerful monarch, with his elaborate wig, lace collar, and the prominent star of the Order of the Garter. Made in England, the print reflects the cultural and political climate following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Charles II's reign was marked by a renewed emphasis on courtly life and the arts, but also by religious tensions and political intrigue. Beckett's portrait would have been part of a visual culture used to reinforce the authority of the crown. Understanding the social and institutional context of this image requires us to delve into the history of the English monarchy and the role of printmaking in shaping public perception. Museum archives, period publications, and scholarly biographies will help us to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the artwork.