Koning Jacobus II en koningin Maria van Modena, ca. 1689 1689

This etching of King James II and Queen Mary of Modena with their son was made around 1689 by Pieter Pickaert. The image presents the royal family in a formal pose, typical for the period, emphasizing their status and lineage. But it does so at a pivotal moment in British history. Created in the Netherlands, this print reflects the complex political landscape following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which ousted James II from the throne. Note how the iconography and symbolism carefully construct an image of legitimacy. The inclusion of their son underscores dynastic succession, a key issue at the time, while allegorical figures in the background evoke divine right and classical virtues. To fully understand this image, one must delve into the historical context of the Anglo-Dutch relations and the religious tensions that defined the era. Prints like this served as powerful tools for shaping public opinion and asserting authority in a time of upheaval. Scholarly resources such as period pamphlets, political tracts, and archival records of the Dutch court offer deeper insights into its production and reception.