Charles II: Art & Power

After over a decade of austere Cromwellian rule, the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 led to a resurgence of the arts in England. The court of Charles II became the centre for the patronage of leading artists and the collecting of great works of art, which served not only as decoration for the royal apartments but also as a means of glorifying the restored monarchy and reinforcing the position of Charles II as the rightful king.
From John Michael Wright's monumental portrait of Charles II in his coronation robes and a glittering silver-gilt plate which adorned the high-altar of Westminster Abbey during the King's coronation, to old master paintings, tapestries and spectacular silver-gilt furniture, the exhibition shows the rich material world of Charles II's court and the role of the arts in the re-establishment of the Stuart monarchy.
Highlight objects
John Michael Wright (1617-94)
Charles II (1630-1685)
Johann Hass
The Exeter Salt
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Oak (Quercus robur) and dyer's greenweed (Genista tinctoria)
Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1525-1569)
Massacre of the Innocents
Map & directions
By train
London Victoria. Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By underground
Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner. For further information visit the Transport for London website.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace. For further information visit the Transport for London website.