This engraving of the Duke of Monmouth reproduces a portrait by Godfrey Kneller, who had entered royal circles in 1676 throught Monmouth, rising to Principal Painter in 1680 on the death of Sir Peter Lely. Vandebranc's engraving was probably produced at the time of the Popish Plot, when there was manoeuvring in the hope of legitimising Monmouth as the Protestant successor to Charles II. He is presented as a prince is waiting, wearing the sash of the Order of the Garter and Lesser George, the portrait flanked with crowned garters containing James's monogram. The similarities in pose and dress with contemporary images of the king are striking.

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