Artwork Information

The protestant Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of Charles II led a rebellion against his catholic uncle, the newly crowned James II. On 5 July 1685 the Royal Army engaged the rebels at Sedgemoor in Somersetshire, exacting a crippling defeat. The pretender to the throne was found disguised as a peasant, and was beheaded the following week. Bundy depicts a wounded cavalier, one of Monmouth's supporters, given refuge by locals. The theme of loyalty to the crown was popular in painting during Queen Victoria's reign.