Slag van Sheriffmuir bij Dunblane

About this artwork

diameter 4.6 cm x weight 36.12 gr

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Slag van Sheriffmuir bijblane* (Battle of Sheriffmuir nearblane), a finely struck medal crafted by English engraver John Croker 1715. Measuring just 4.6 cm in diameter and weighing 36.12 grams, this small metalwork exemplifies the art of medal striking—a technique where designs are hammered into thin metal blanks using engraved dies, producing sharp, detailed reliefs ideal for commemorative pieces. Croker, a master engraver at the Royal Mint was renowned for his precise portraits and historical scenes, blending technical virtuosity with symbolic power. This medal captures a pivotal moment in the Jacobite Rising of 1715, when Highland supporters of the exiled Stuart claimant James Francis Edward Stuart clashed with government forces led by the Duke of Argyll at Sheriffmuir, near Dunblane, Scotland. The inconclusive battle on November 13 marked a dramatic standoff, fueling Jacobite hopes while stalling their advance. Struck amid the turmoil, it served as propaganda, rallying loyalty and preserving the event's drama in enduring metal. As a pocket-sized artifact, it highlights 18th-century medal culture's role in disseminating history, much like modern coins. Visitors, imagine carrying this tangible echo of rebellion—its lightweight form belying the weight of political upheaval.