Vlucht van koning Jacobus II, 1688-1689 1689

Curator: This print, created anonymously around 1689, is titled "Vlucht van koning Jacobus II, 1688-1689" and resides here at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts the flight of King James II. Editor: It has a stormy and tense quality to it, doesn’t it? The stark contrast in the etching highlights the instability, with King James fleeing in two registers like this, showing him escape from land to the sea. Curator: The composition divides the narrative into two distinct scenes. The upper register shows the king leaving London by night, escaping from the palace or 'Hof van London'. Below, he is depicted transferring to a larger, "unballasted ship" with some nobles. Editor: Notice the specific iconographic cues: the turbulent waters suggesting chaos and the lack of control, and that precarious unballasted ship, a symbol of instability and an uncertain future, reflecting the turmoil and risks associated with such a departure. Curator: I’m particularly drawn to how the graphic choices emphasize the emotional atmosphere, using tightly packed parallel lines to imply motion. Editor: Absolutely, that hurried, covert aspect of leaving in the darkness adds to the sense of fear and urgency. Those details of him surrounded by ‘nobles,’ suggest loss of status as he abandons his palace and his country. Curator: Indeed, and consider the historical context: this image would have resonated with those witnessing the political upheavals in England, serving as a potent visual document of the transition. The material qualities and stylistic components create a highly structured account of political transition. Editor: It's remarkable how effectively the artist conveys a complex political event and personal experience through symbolic visuals. It’s an important document, demonstrating power, change, and legacy conveyed through symbolism. Curator: Through structural balance and compositional arrangements, it presents historical narrative of consequence through carefully structured detail and tone. Editor: Thinking about symbols like ships and water brings history closer. Now I feel deeply aware of James’ experience, if just for a moment.