King Charles I at the gates of Hull
Parrocel was a specialist battle scene painter who enjoyed much popularity with Louis XV of France and his Court. He also painted historical scenes and was active as a draughtsman and engraver. The scene depicted is the refusal in 1642 by Hull's Governor, Sir John Hotham, to let King Charles I enter Hull at the city gate, one of the acts that led to the outbreak of the English Civil War: 'Sr. John Hotham from ye Wall acquainted the King that He durst not open the Gates, being instructed by the Parliament. His Majesty replyed, that if He persisted in ye resolution, He shou'd be obliged to proclaim him a Traitor.' This episode was depicted by many artists and there are several versions, both oils and prints, in the Ferens' collection.
