Medal of George II and his Family

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver medal, crafted in 1732 by renowned British engravers John Croker—chief engraver of the Mint—and John Sigismund Tanner, celebrates King George II and his family Measuring just 2 11/16 inches in diameter, it features detailed profile portraits, a nod to classical Roman coinage traditions revived in the Renaissance and flourishing in 18th-century. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Sculpture and Decorative Arts, it exemplifies the art of medals and plaquettes—small, portable sculptures prized for their intricate relief work. Struck during George II's reign (1727–1760), the Hanoverian monarch who solidified Britain's constitutional monarchy amid Jacobite challenges, this piece likely served as a commemorative token or diplomatic gift. Such medals were popular among European royalty, blending propaganda with artistry to immortalize rulers and their lineages in gleaming silver, a durable medium symbolizing wealth and prestige. Artistically, the medal showcases masterful intaglio engraving techniques, where incised designs are struck under high pressure for sharp, lifelike profiles. Its British craftsmanship highlights a golden age of medallic art, bridging sculpture and numismatics while inviting viewers to ponder the personal side of kingship. A thoughtful gift to the Met in 2004, it remains a window into Georgian elegance.