Gezicht op het monument met het beeld van Karel II, koning van Engeland 1720 - 1731

Sutton Nicholls created this print of the statue of Charles II in the late 17th or early 18th century. It offers us a glimpse into the political and social landscape of England following the tumultuous years of the English Civil War and the subsequent restoration of the monarchy. The statue itself, prominently displayed in the print, acts as a potent symbol of royal authority, intended to solidify the Stuart dynasty's power and legitimacy after a period of republican rule. However, the print does not just show the statue in isolation. It portrays it within its urban setting, surrounded by bustling city life. This juxtaposition of royal symbolism with the everyday realities of the people raises questions about the relationship between the monarchy and its subjects. Was Charles II as beloved as the monument suggests? As historians, we can delve deeper by researching the statue’s commission and reception, along with popular political sentiments of the time, to gain a fuller understanding of the complex dynamics between power, representation, and public opinion.