Kroning van Jacobus II tot koning van Engeland

About this artwork

diameter 3,4 cm x gewicht 15,35 gr

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite medal *Kroning vanus II tot koning van Eng* (Coronation of James as King of England), in 1685 by the medallist Jean Roëttiers. Measuring just 3.4 cm in diameter and weighing 15.35 grams, this petite treasure exemplifies the art of striking—a precise metalworking technique where a die stamps intricate designs into a metal blank, often silver or gold, to create durable, portableatives. Struck to celebrate James II's ascension following his brother Charles II's death, the medal captures a pivotal moment in English history. James, a Catholic monarch in a Protestant nation, ruled amid rising tensions that culminated in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Roëttiers, chief engraver to the Royal Mint and part of a dynasty of Flemish-born artists, infused the piece with Baroque grandeur: finely detailed portraits, symbolic motifs of royalty, and heraldic elements that elevated medals from mere currency to historical artifacts. These struck medals were cultural touchstones, circulated among elites to affirm loyalty and preserve events for posterity. As a snapshot of Stuart opulence and looming upheaval, this work invites us to ponder power's fragility through masterful craftsmanship.