James II, 1633-1701, King of England 1685-1688 [obverse]

Art Historical Context

Behold the obverse of this striking silver medal, portraying James II (16331701), King of England from 1685 to 1688. Crafted in 1685 by the Dutch medallist Regnierondeaux, it measures 6.14 cm in diameter and weighs 73.6 grams, exemplifying the exquisite precision of 17th-century numismatic. Now housed in the National Gallery Art as a gift from Lisa and Leonard Baskin this piece captures the monarch in profile, a common convention for medals that elevated rulers to classical ideals of power and permanence. Dated to the exact year of James II's ascension following his brother Charles II's death, the medal served as a tool of royal propaganda during a pivotal era. James's short reign was marked by religious tensions and political unrest, culminating in his deposition during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Such silver medals, often struck for coronations or commemorations, blended artistry with politics, distributing the king's image to affirm legitimacy and loyalty across Europe. Arondeaux's mastery shines in the medal's fine engraving and 12:00 axis alignment, techniques that ensured sharp detail and balanced striking. As sculpture in miniature, it reflects the era's fusion of Renaissance portrait traditions with Baroque grandeur, inviting us to ponder how tiny metal discs shaped public perceptions of monarchy.