Artwork Information

The king is shown being crowned with a victor’s wreath by the blindfolded figure of Justice. This image would have been controversial among many of the king’s subjects at a time when he chose to rule without Parliament.

While the king holds the scales of Justice, arbitrary punishments in the Star Chamber (his personal law court) and attempts to arrest members of the House of Commons provoked fierce opposition that ultimately resulted in civil war and the king’s own execution at the Banqueting House at Whitehall.