Marie Beatrice Deste Collection
Marie Beatrice D'Este (1658-1714) was an Italian princess who became the queen consort of King James II of Great Britain
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Marie Beatrice D'Este (1658-1714) was an Italian princess who became the queen consort of King James II of Great Britain. In this captivating image, we see a portrait of her mother, Mary of Modena, painted by Nicholas Dixon around 1673. Marie Beatrice's own reign began in 1685 when James II was crowned in Westminster Abbey, an event commemorated in William Sherwin's painting. However, their joy was short-lived as the Glorious Revolution of 1688 forced James II into exile, and Marie Beatrice and her family fled to France. The political turmoil is reflected in the engravings "Le Feste des Trois Rois" and "L Europe Allarmee" by Romeyn de Hooghe, depicting the chaos and conflict that ensued. In this period, Marie Beatrice received a letter from her father-in-law, King Louis XIV of France, offering support. Meanwhile, James II's eldest son, the Duke of Monmouth, wrote a desperate plea for his life after being captured. Despite the challenges, Marie Beatrice remained loyal to her husband and continued to support his cause, even after his death in 1701. Her unwavering devotion is a testament to her strength and resilience during a tumultuous time in history.