Vlucht van koning Jacobus II, 1688

Pieter Pickaert created this print, "Flight of King James II, 1688," depicting a pivotal moment in British history. James II's flight was a direct result of the Glorious Revolution, a coup orchestrated by his own daughter and son-in-law. Consider the identity of James II. He was a Catholic king in a predominantly Protestant country. His attempts to promote religious tolerance for Catholics were perceived as a threat to Protestant dominance. This print captures his desperate escape under the cover of night; he is seen here with the crown, scepter and great seal in tow. The boat is small, the water looks treacherous, and the buildings look imposing. There is a sense of vulnerability. Pickaert's work is not just a historical record, but an interpretation of power, religion, and national identity in a time of upheaval. It reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a society grappling with profound change.