Podcast II: James II

***Rule Brittania***

Speaker 1: Is there a rivalry between the monarchy and the Royal Navy?

Speaker 2: I am not sure, it could be like the United States military; the army, navy, air-force, national guard, and the marines, all work together but do different things.

Speaker 1: I just find it interesting how James's portrait focuses on his duty in the Royal navy.

Speaker 2: Yes, It appears from this painting that James's largest contribution in the Monarchy is through the Royal Navy, shown by his attire and the background.

Speaker 1: It looks like his outfit is a uniform that was worn from the Royal Navy, look at his chest; there is a blue stash, that could reconnect with the ocean.

Speaker 2: I also notice his position in the painting; it is more masculine.

Speaker 1: According to the painting it appears that James does has more masculinity unlike his brother Charles II. I can see this distinctly through the lighting and his pose. There is a grey over-shadow and we are confronted with him standing up and peering down at us.

Speaker 2: There are also further references of the navy in the background.

Speaker 1: Where?

Speaker 2: Look on the bottom right, the anchor and then in the far distance is a ship this could help emphasize James II's manliness.

Speaker 1: This only makes me think more about his brother in the other painting, Charles II. They have such different interests!

Speaker 2: I agree, Charles II is an arts patron and this can be seen through his fashion and the elaborate draperies surrounding him. On the other hand, James II is the king who is more masculine and proud of his position in the Royal Navy.

Speaker 1: But I also wonder if these different interests reflect the relationship or lack of a relationship between these two brothers? They obviously had different interests, but did they actually get along?

Speaker 2: According to the dates, Charles was three years older than James and became king when he was 19. James did not become king until he was 52.

Speaker 1: I know I would be jealous and probably resent my sibling.

Speaker 2: I wonder if James felt this way; if he was jealous of his brother's power and that was why he was so proud of his Navy experience and used it to reflect his leadership.

Speaker 1: Or maybe Charles, the older brother felt that a proper ruling required an understanding and an appreciation for the arts.

***Rule Brittania***