Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms

John Roettier Flemish

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.

Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms, John Roettier (Flemish, Antwerp 1631–1703 London, active England 1670–98), Gold, British, London

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Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms, John Roettier (Flemish, Antwerp 1631–1703 London, active England 1670–98), Gold, British, London
Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms, John Roettier (Flemish, Antwerp 1631–1703 London, active England 1670–98), Gold, British, London

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