About this piece
back to topA rare 17th century glazed stoneware bust of King James II. James ruled as King James II of England and VII of Scotland from 1685 – 1688.
Handcrafted, this old antique bust offers a glimpse into 17th century Britain. The bust bears a distinct likeness to James with his long, curling hair and crown atop his head, a square forehead and large nose, as described in 1667 by Lorenzo Magalotti in the records of the National Portrait Gallery.
Its exact maker is unknown; perhaps it was made as a piece of unique Scottish folk art. Whatever it’s purpose, this antique bust is a very unusual and very rare find, unlike anything we have seen before.
King James II of England & VII of Scotland
Born in 1633, James ascended to the English, Scottish and Irish throne in 1685. However, his reign was relatively short-lived.
In 1688, James was overthrown during the Glorious Revolution, after which parliament was established as the ruling power of England, rather than the monarch. James exiled to France and died in 1701.
James was the last Catholic monarch of England, Scotland and Ireland.
