Behold the Statue of James II. Its bronze gleam catches the London light. This magnificent sculpture isn’t just a statue. It’s a silent witness to centuries of British history.
The Statue of James II stands proudly. It depicts James II as a Roman emperor. He wears Roman armour a laurel wreath. This wasn’t typical for the time. Most statues of Stuart monarchs showed them in 17th-century wigs. This statue however aims for classical accuracy. It’s a bronze masterpiece created in the workshop of the renowned Grinling Gibbons. Yet Gibbons himself probably didn’t sculpt it. Contemporary accounts point to Flemish sculptors Peter van Dievoet and Laurens van der Meulen as the true artists. They were masters of their craft. Their skill shines through in this portrayal of the king.
Commissioned by Tobias Rustat a royal servant. The Statue of James II was first erected in 1686. Its original location was the Palace of Whitehall. This was just two years before James II’s deposition during the Glorious Revolution. Imagine the whispers and speculation surrounding the statue then. Its placement behind the Banqueting House and facing the river prompted satire. It was thought to hint at his escape route.
The Statue of James II has had a rather peripatetic existence. After the revolution it was briefly removed but later reinstated by William III. The statue moved again in 1898 to Gwydyr House’s garden. Then in 1903 it found a home outside the New Admiralty building. The Second World War saw it safely stored in Aldwych tube station. Finally in 1947 it arrived at its current location in Trafalgar Square.
The plinth bears an inscription. It reads JACOBUS SECUNDUS DEI GRATIA ANGLI SCOTIÆ FRANCIÆ ET HIBERNIÆ REX FIDEI DEFENSOR ANNO M.D.C.LXXXVI. This translates to James II by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith 1686.
The Statue of James II is more than just bronze and artistry. It’s a tangible link to a pivotal moment in English history. It’s a story in itself a testament to the enduring power of art. A silent observer of London’s ever-changing landscape. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of kingship and the passage of time. So take a moment. Appreciate this remarkable piece of history.