Charles II: Art & Power
A lavish publication to accompany the Royal Collection exhibition
Rufus Bird and Martin Clayton
464 pages
An excellent catalogue to a remarkable exhibition
Hatchards bookshop
Cover of Charles II: Art & Power cover ©
Hardback, 270 × 235 mm, Over 400 colour illustrations
ISBN 978 1 909741 44 7
Examining the reigns of Charles II (1660–85) and James II (1685–8), this sumptuously illustrated book focuses on the art and culture of the Restoration court. From the development of an ‘English baroque’ to the use of court ritual and decorative art objects, the authors explore the themes of power and passion during the reigns of these monarchs.
This beautiful publication not only showcases the replacement Crown Jewels, made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661, but also includes his collection of Italian Old Master paintings, drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and the spectacular furnishings of the palaces of Whitehall and St James’s.
Rufus Bird is Deputy Surveyor of The Queen’s Works of Art, Royal Collection Trust.
Martin Clayton is Head of Prints and Drawings, Royal Collection Trust. His other titles include Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing and Castiglione: Lost Genius.
Special Royal Collection online price. Every purchase helps us to care for and increase access to the Royal Collection.
Highlights from the publication
John Michael Wright (1617-94)
Charles II (1630-1685)
Orazio Gentileschi (Pisa 1563-London 1639)
A Sibyl
Sir Peter Lely (1618-80)
Mary Bagot, Countess of Falmouth and Dorset (1645-79)
Sir Peter Lely (1618-80)
Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland (ca 1641-1709)
Sir Peter Lely (1618-80)
Mary of Modena (1658-1718) when Duchess of York
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Recto: The muscles of the back and arm. Verso: Studies of the intercostal muscles
Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8-1543)
Frances, Countess of Surrey (1517-1577)
Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8-1543)
George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham (c.1497-1558)
Johann Hass
