An Account of His Excellence Roger Earl of Castlemaine's Embassy, from . . . James the IId . . . . to His Holiness Innocent XI 1688

This engraving by John Michael Wright depicts Roger Earl of Castlemaine's embassy to Pope Innocent XI, highlighting a lavish banquet during a politically charged era. Wright, a prominent portrait painter, navigated the complexities of identity as an English artist of Scottish descent, working for both Protestant and Catholic patrons during a time of religious tension. Here, Wright captures a moment laden with the nuances of diplomacy and religious display, commissioned to commemorate the Earl's efforts to re-establish Catholic presence in England. The detailed depiction of the banquet, complete with elaborate table settings, suggests an effort to impress and convey the wealth and sophistication of the English court. The figures in the artwork seem almost overwhelmed by the scale of the setting, reflecting the delicate balance between personal identity and political representation. This print serves not only as a historical record but also as an example of the performative aspects of power and cultural exchange in the 17th century.