Information
Kneller came to England from Germany in 1676 and soon gained royal favour.
In this work, the king's authority is subtly undermined: his face is stiff, his hand limp and the crown and orb are hidden in shadow. Kneller presents an aging and even lonely figure.
This is the last of his portraits of Charles II. It was probably begun just before the king's death and finished afterwards.
Specifications
- Accession number
- WAG 3023
- Collection type
- Painting
- Artist
- Godfrey Kneller
- Date made
- 1685
- Materials
- Oil; Canvas
- Measurements
- Canvas/support: 244.8 cm x 144.2 cm; Framed: 252 x 172 x 14 cm
- Credit line
- Purchased by the Walker Art Gallery in 1952
- Legal status
- Permanent collection
- Provenance
- Sotheby's, Dealer, Sold to the Walker Art Gallery, Owned until: 1952-07-16
- Location
- On display: Walker Art Gallery, Room 01, 1b
- Inscription