The Seven Bishops
Not on view
Seven oval frames this mezzotint portray bishops of the Church of England who were tried for seditious libel in June 1688. Each portrait is surrounded by an ornamental border with a burning candle above, supported by a mitre. At the top of the image is an eye surrounded by stars and rays. Previous to the trial, James II had attempted to use royal prerogative to grant new freedoms for Catholics and Protestant Nonconformists. In April 1688 he ordered a related Declaration to be read in churches and seven English bishops petitioned to be excused, arguing that the king was exceding his authority. They were then charged with seditious libel, held in the Tower of London and tried, being found not guilty on June 30. The trial helped to precipitate the movement towards the deposition of James in November 1688, and the Glorious Revolution which placed William and Mary on the throne (Met print 17.3.756-1808 is a portrait of the seven lawyers who defended the bishops).
