Portret van Karel II, koning van Engeland 1619 - 1672

This engraving, "Portret van Karel II, koning van Engeland," depicts Charles II of England on horseback, likely a royal portrait commissioned during his reign between 1660 and 1685. Created by the Dutch artist Theodor van (II) Merlen, this work is a fine example of 17th-century portraiture with its meticulous detail and attention to the subject's attire and regalia. The image is striking in its depiction of the king as a powerful figure, clad in armor and wielding a staff, his gaze commanding and confident. The background features a landscape with a distant cityscape, emphasizing the power and scope of the king's rule. This work showcases the skill of Theodor van (II) Merlen, a notable artist of the Dutch Golden Age, and provides valuable insight into the representation of royal power in 17th-century art.