Overlijden van Maria II van Engeland

About this artwork

Loden penning. Voorzijde: borststuk vrouw binnen omschrift. Keerzijde: tombe bestaande uit vierkant monument versierd met basrelief, waarop drie obelisken staan; op middelste obelisk portret van Maria boven inscriptie, bekroond met palm- en lauwertak binnen omschrift; afsnede: jaartal.

Art Historical Context

This exquisite lead medal, titled *Overlijden van Maria van Engeland* ("Death of Mary II of"), was struck by Dutch medalist Jan Boskam in1695, just a year after Queen Mary II's untimely death from smallpox at age 32. Mary, who ruled jointly with her husband William III following the Glorious Revolution of1688, was a figure in British history, symbolizing Protestant stability amid political upheaval. Boskam's work captures public mourning through this intimate yet weighty artifact—measuring 6 cm in diameter and weighing a substantial 1104 grams—reflecting the era's tradition of commemorative medals as accessible memorials for the masses. The obverse features a detailed bust of the queen within an inscription, her dignified portrait evoking regal poise. The reverse depicts an elaborate tomb: a square monument adorned with bas-relief, crowned by three obelisks. Atop the central obelisk sits Mary's portrait above an inscription, topped with palm and laurel branches—classical symbols of victory, peace, and eternal honor. The year "1695" in the exergue anchors its timeliness. Struck in lead, a durable yet affordable medium, this piece showcases late Baroque medal-making techniques, where intricate engraving allowed for fine details rivaling sculpture, making elite commemoration widely shareable. As a snapshot of 17th-century grief and artistry, Boskam's medal invites us to ponder Mary's legacy, blending historical reverence with masterful metalwork.