King Charles II in Boscobel Wood 1669

Isaac Fuller painted King Charles II in Boscobel Wood, capturing a moment of refuge. The scene is dominated by the motif of the dense forest, a classical symbol that conjures up ideas of the wilderness as a space of danger, mystery, and transformation. The forest, as a symbolic space, invites comparison to earlier images like Titian’s ‘Sacred and Profane Love,’ where Venus guides a couple through the woods. Yet here, the forest is a refuge rather than a place of moral choice. This symbol has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning; it has resurfaced as a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, conveying intense emotional states. The motif of offering a helping hand is a recurring theme throughout art history, from classical depictions of charity to religious scenes of salvation. The image is not merely of an individual king, but a symbol of the cyclical nature of power, loss, and restoration.