Portret van Karel II, koning van Engeland 1655 - 1700

This is Jan van Somer’s portrait of Charles II, King of England. This print gives us a glimpse into the visual language of power and authority in 17th-century Europe. Made in the Netherlands, the portrait presents Charles within an oval frame, surrounded by inscriptions of his name and title in French. He is adorned with elaborate curly hair, a lace collar, and what looks like armour, all markers of royal status. The choice of French, a language of diplomacy and aristocracy, highlights the international dimensions of royal power. The Dutch Republic, where this print was made, had a complex relationship with monarchy. Having fought for independence from Spanish rule, they were wary of absolute power. Yet, prints like these circulated widely, demonstrating a fascination with, and perhaps even a degree of acceptance of, monarchical rule. Understanding this image requires us to consider the economic and political conditions of its time and the way institutions helped shape the public image of rulers. To learn more, we might consult period documents, political pamphlets, and studies of print culture.