Charles I and the Duke of Buckingham (c.1930s)

This prolific Italian master illustrator produced many drawings and paintings for British periodicals in the early 20th century, often accompanying stories with historical themes. This one has the subject matter written on the back; beyond that, I don't know where it may have appeared.

Charles I ruled England until 1649, when he was executed as the culmination of the Civil War between the Crown and Parliament. Of the multiple Dukes of Buckingham, this one is probably George Villiers. He was Charles' dance tutor and friend, Lord High Admiral of the British fleet, and the lover of Charles' father King James I. Villiers was assassinated after a series of naval and foreign policy disasters.