De vluchtende koning Jacobus II wordt in Faversham gearresteerd, 1689 1689

This undated etching by an anonymous artist depicts the arrest of the fleeing King James II in Faversham in 1689. Dominating the composition are the distressed ship, listing precariously, and the tumultuous crowd seizing the king. The artist masterfully uses line and form to convey a sense of chaos. See how the dense hatching creates a dark and ominous mood, reflecting the turmoil of the event. The image raises questions about power, legitimacy, and the act of representation itself. Is the artist attempting to portray a moment of justice or one of humiliation? The interplay of light and shadow further complicates our interpretation, destabilizing any clear moral judgment. Notice how the rigid verticality of the architecture in the background contrasts sharply with the raucous energy of the figures in the foreground. This contrast accentuates the destabilization of the traditional social order. The etching invites us to reflect on how moments of historical upheaval are captured and contested through visual representation.