Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms

late 1660s (?)

Not on view

After his Restoration to the throne of England, Charles II (b. 1630; r. 1660-80) governed under a constitution with an elected parliament. Charles nonetheless promoted the monarchy’s centrality and prestige by having the imagery on his coins and medals project royal power. On this sumptuous gold medal, Charles wears classical armor as if he were an ancient Roman emperor and is wigged in the elaborate style made fashionable by the absolute monarch, Louis XIV. The inscription on the medal’s front (obverse), “King, by the grace of God” and on the reverse’s royal coat of arms “God and my right” allude to the divine right of kings.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms
Artist: John Roettier (Flemish, Antwerp 1631–1703 London, active England 1670–98)
Date: late 1660s (?)
Culture: British, London
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: Confirmed: 1 1/16 × 2 1/4 in. (2.7 × 5.7 cm)
Classification: Medals and Plaquettes
Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019
Object Number: 2019.283.134
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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