Prince Charles Edward Stuart, 1720-1788 (The Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie) [obverse]

Art Historical Context

Behold this exquisite bronze medal by Italian engraver Ottone Hamani, struck in 1729 when its young subject, Prince Charles Edward (1720–1788)—affectionately called Bonnie Prince Charlie—was just nine years old. Measuring a modest 4.19 cm in diameter and weighing 29.21, this intimate sculpture captures the future Jacobite leader in profile on the obverse, a format typical of Renaissance-inspired medals that blend portraiture with propaganda. Historically, the medal honors the Stuart heir, whose family was exiled after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Charles would later lead the dramatic 1745 Jacobite Rising, rallying supporters for a Catholic monarchy against the Hanoverians. Created in Rome, a hub for Jacobite exiles and Hamerani's family workshop of renowned medalists, it reflects early efforts to promote the prince's legitimacy through portable, symbolic art. Hamerani's mastery shines in the fine engraving and bronze casting, achieving sharp details and a medal-like axis at 12:00 for perfect orientation. Now in the National Gallery of Art's collection, gifted by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, this piece exemplifies 18th-century numismatic sculpture—elegant, enduring tokens of political ambition and artistic precision.