Arrival of the English King Charles II from Delft in The Hague, Holland, 1660

About this sheet

Antique engraving with the title Arrival of the English King Charles II from Delft in The Hague, 25 May 1660. Episode during his tour through and departure from the Netherlands. Arrival at the Vijverberg and Het Groene Zoodje, salute shots are fired at the Hofvijver. In the air the fame and putti with the arms of the English king, Holland and The Hague. On the left part of the signs of the zodiac. Marked at the top: Page. 34.

In the top the Arms of the King with the text: Honi soit qui mal y pense. This a maxim in the Anglo-Norman language, a dialect of Old Norman French spoken by the medieval ruling class in England, meaning "shamed be whoever thinks ill of it", usually translated as "shame on anyone who thinks evil of it" It has been used as the motto of the British chivalric Order of the Garter. In current French usage, the phrase may be used ironically to insinuate the presence of a hidden agenda or a conflict of interest.

Makers (mentioned on the engraving): Pieter Philippe after a design of: Jacob Toorenvliet.

Source: This print comes from a publication: Abraham de Wicquefort, Verhael in forme van journael, van de reys ende 't vertoeven van (...) Carel de II koning van Groot Britannien, &c. welcke hy in Hollandt gedaen heeft, Adriaen Vlacq, Den Haag 1660.

Condition: Old handwriting on the back ('The Batavian Court'), the watermarked paper is weak and has repairs. A few visible creases with repair tape on verso. Short on margins, a few very tiny wormholes but nevertheless an interesting print with lots of details. Rare.