Koning Karel II van Engeland vertrekt vanuit Scheveningen naar Engeland, 1660 1660

This engraving depicts King Charles II of England's departure from Scheveningen to England in 1660. The image teems with people sending off the monarch and the mass of ships ready to sail. Made in the Netherlands, this artwork showcases the socio-political context of the time. Following the English Civil War and the period of the Commonwealth, Charles II was restored to the throne. The Dutch Republic played a key role in providing refuge to Charles during his exile, making this departure a significant moment in Anglo-Dutch relations. This print then celebrates the restoration of the British monarchy, a moment of political stability. We, as historians, can research primary sources, such as letters and diplomatic records, to uncover the complex relationships between England and the Netherlands during this period. This image serves as a reminder that art is a product of its time, deeply intertwined with social and institutional contexts.