560 - J. SMITH (1733-1759), King Wilhelm II in the Oval, around 1733, Etching

J. SMITH (1733-1759), King Wilhelm II in the Oval, around 1733, Etching James Smith (before 1733 - after 1759 ): Portrait of William II (Rufus), King of England, with death symbolism, c. 1733, Etching Technique: Etching and Copper engraving on Paper Inscription: Lower right signed in the printing plate: "Jam. Smith Sculp". Lower middle inscribed in the printing plate: "K. WILLIAM II.". Upper right numbered in the printing plate: "Vol. I. Page. 214". Date: c. 1733 Description: The bust shows King William II, known as "Rufus", in a richly decorated oval cartouche with sheet ornaments, frontally with a slight three-quarter view. Crowned and clad in a simple robe, he wears a chain as a sign of office. Below the portrait are allegorical depictions of his violent death from an arrow shot and his corpse on a chariot - a rare case of early modern depictions of historical tragedy in the portrait of a ruler. Person: William Rufus; King Wilhelm II., von England (1056 - 1100 Lyndhurst (Hampshire)) Keywords: William II; Rufus; King of England; Ruler's portrait; Oval frame; Baroque engraving; Copper engraving; King's chain; Crown; Historical depiction; Medieval king; Arrow and bow; Death scene; Symbolic death; Representation of the corpse; English monarchy; Ornamental cartouche; Weapons; Heraldic; Leopard coat of arms; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 39,1 cm x 24,4 cm (15,4 x 9,6 in), Plate: 38,8 cm x 23,9 cm (15,3 x 9,4 in), Depiction: 38,3 cm x 23,7 cm (15,1 x 9,3 in) Condition: Good condition. The print is clear with slight darkening of the paper. There are a few small stains on the base area, as well as a small print area with a rubbed surface. The frame and details are well preserved. Reinforced on the reverse with a narrow surrounding paper margin.