King Charles II and Jane Lane Riding to Bristol 1669

Isaac Fuller captured this moment with oil on canvas: King Charles II and Jane Lane riding to Bristol. The horse, a symbol of nobility and power, carries both figures, its white coat almost glowing. This is no mere escape; it's a carefully constructed tableau vivant. Consider the shared horse. Throughout history, we see rulers and heroes depicted on horseback, symbolizing dominion and control. Yet here, the act of sharing disrupts this iconography, and the need for cooperation replaces the image of singular power. It evokes ancient Roman equestrian statues, but with a twist, and reminds me of Renaissance paintings where the horse suggests command. Note the way in which the figures appear: the woman positioned in front of the man, but slightly to the side, creates a dynamic of dependence and protection. The collective memory of such images impacts how we read this painting, engaging subconscious expectations and understandings of power. The artist uses this knowledge to create a powerful work of art.