408 - Unknown (17th), Charles II in a laurel wreath, Copper engraving

Unknown (17th), Charles II in a laurel wreath, Copper engraving Unknown (17th century): Portrait of Charles II of England - King in armour, 17th century, Copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving on Paper Inscription: At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "CAROLVS SECVNDVS DEI GRATIA MAGNAE BRITANNIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REX FIDEI DEFENSOR". Date: 17th century Description: Half-length portrait of Charles II (1630-1685), King of England, Scotland and Ireland, depicted in three-quarter profile to the right. The monarch wears a breastplate with medal insignia and a lace scarf, framed in an elaborately engraved laurel oval with the banderole motto "Dieu et mon droit". The sheet is a typical example of the ruler's iconography of the Stuart period with a strong representative character and serves both dynastic legitimisation and cultic veneration. Probably from a series of prints after a contemporary painting. Person: King Karl II., England, Scotland, Ireland (1630 - 1685 ) Keywords: Charles II; Stuart dynasty; English king; Copper engraving; Baroque ruler's portrait; 17th century; Monarch's portrait; Fidei Defensor; Coronation insignia 17th century; Monarch portrait; Fidei Defensor; Framing of the laurel; Order insignia; English history; Stuart Restoration; Coronation iconography; Military depiction; Monarch iconography; Britain; Baroque prints; Medal armour; Art trade; Collector's prints; Dynastic representation; 17th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 37,8 cm x 23,2 cm (14,9 x 9,1 in), Plate: 19,8 cm x 15,3 cm (7,8 x 6 in), Depiction: 19,2 cm x 15,1 cm (7,6 x 5,9 in) Condition: Rather good condition. Sheet with significant age-related browning and marginal defects, especially in the upper and lower area (small tears, bumped corners). Centre image in good condition, copper engraving with strong impression and fine line etching. Overall good for its age with collectible and historical value.