An engraving of Charles II as king: full-length, facing right, mounted on a rearing horse. He wears armour, a plain collar, and a sash over his right shoulder. He holds a baton in his right hand. In the background is a view of ships and a land battle. With a French inscription below.

This was among the first images of Charles II as de facto king. It was probably produced in Paris, with the French inscription referring to Charles's familial connections to the French royal house through his mother, Henrietta Maria, sister of Louis XIV. The print was a reworking of a portrait of Oliver Cromwell, engraved by Elias Küsel, and published by Balthasar Moncornet and Jean van Merlen in Paris during the Commonwealth period. The likeness of the young monarch was probably re-engraved by Jean Frosne, who collaborated with Moncornet on a bust-length print of Charles (RCIN 602374), also published in 1660. It is likely that the new version was instigated by Moncornet, since only his name as a publisher appears. Küsel's name as engraver has been erased, with the tail of Charles's horse extended to mask the erasure.

Text adapted from Charles II: Art & Power, London, 2017