James II, 1633-1701, King of England 1685-1688 [obverse]
![James II, 1633-1701, King of England 1685-1688 [obverse] by Regnier Arondeaux](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/james-ii-1633-1701-king-of-england-1685-1688-nga-110735.webp)
Medium
silver
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 6.14 cm (2 7/16 in.) gross weight: 73.6 gr (0.162 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Accession Number
1999.109.1.a
Art Historical Context
Behold the obverse of this striking silver medal, portraying James II (16331701), King of England from 1685 to 1688. Crafted in 1685 by the Dutch medallist Regnierondeaux, it measures 6.14 cm in diameter and weighs 73.6 grams, exemplifying the exquisite precision of 17th-century numismatic. Now housed in the National Gallery Art as a gift from Lisa and Leonard Baskin this piece captures the monarch in profile, a common convention for medals that elevated rulers to classical ideals of power and permanence. Dated to the exact year of James II's ascension following his brother Charles II's death...