A Genealogical History of the Kings of England, and Monarchs of Great Britain, &c. From the Conquest, Anno 1066, to the Year 1677

Art Historical Context

In the turbulent aftermath of England's Civil War and the Restoration of the monarchy, *A Genealogical History of the Kings of England, and Monarchs of Great Britain, &c emerged in 1677 a meticulously illustrated chronicle. Spanning from William the Conqueror's arrival in 1066 to the reign of Charles II, this book traces the royal bloodlines through intricate family trees, portraits, and heraldic devices. Created during a time when legitimacy of rule was fiercely debated, it served as both a historical record and a visual affirmation of monarchical continuity, appealing to scholars, nobility, and the emerging print-buying public. Collaboratively crafted by skilled artists Thomas Newcomb, Wenceslaus Hollar, Francis Sandford, and Richard Gaywood, the volume showcases the era's mastery of etching and engraving—techniques that allowed for fine detail in reproducing coats of arms, crowns, and regal figures on durable plates. Hollar, a renowned Bohemian etcher celebrated for his precision, and Sandford, a heraldic specialist, elevated the work's artistic caliber. Measuring a compact 14⅝ × 9⁹⁄₁₆ × 2¹⁄₁₆ inches, this bound volume from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Lewis R. Coulson, 2017) exemplifies 17th-century print culture's blend of education and artistry, offering visitors a tangible link to Britain's dynastic past.

About the Artist

Thomas Newcomb|Wenceslaus Hollar|Francis Sandford|Richard Gaywood (British|Bohemian|British|British) · 1650 |1607 |1630 |1630 –1700 |1677 |1694 |1680

British, active 1660–1700|Bohemian, Prague 1607–1677 London|British, 1630–1694|British, ca. 1630–1680 London (?)