JAMES BUTLER, 2ND DUKE OF ORMONDE (1665-1745) - BY JOHN SIMON,  AFTER MICHAEL DAHL.

A fine half-llength mezzotint portrait of James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormond, half length wearing wig, armour, robe, and sword, and holding baton, with cavalry battle in background to right and fort in background to left.

Jems Butler 2nd Duke of Ormonde (1665-1745). Army officer and Jacobite; succeeded as 7th Earl of Ossory (I) 1680; Christ Church, Oxford; MA 1680, DCL 1683; Dublin University, MA 1680; Middle Temple 1683; gentleman of the bedchamber to James II 1685-88; chancellor of Oxford and Dublin Universities 1688; succeeded as 2nd Duke of Ormonde [1] 1688; joined William of Orange 1688; KG 1688-1716; campaigned in Holland and Ireland 1689-96 and Cadiz 1702; lord lieutenant of Ireland 1703-07 and 1710-13; captain-general in Flanders 1712; impeached 1715 as a Jacobite, he joined the exiled Stuarts, forfeiting his titles and estates; made captain-general and KT by the Pretender, but failed in two attempts in 1715 and 1719 to establish support in England; in Avignon 1716; stayed in Madrid before moving back to Avignon 1732; ‘as irresolute and timorous in affairs as he was brave in person’.

‘hath all the Qualities of a Great Man, except that one of a Statesman, hating Business; loves, and is beloved by the Ladies; of a low Stature; but well-shaped; a good Mien and Address; a fair Complexion, and a very beautiful Face. He is about Forty Years old’ (J. Macky, Characters of the Court of Great Britain, 1733).

‘rather short, stout, and short-necked’ (duc de Saint-Simon).

Some fading to title plate, presenbted in a quality antique swept gilt frame.

Sheet: 40cm x 28cm Framed: 50cm x 40cm

SOLD