Overlijden van Maria II van Engeland

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

### Overlijden van Maria II van Engeland Created in 1695 by Dutch artist Jan Boskam, *Overlijden van Maria II van Engeland* (Death of Mary II of England is a finely struck metal medallion, measuring just 6 cm in diameter and weighing 11384 grams. This compact artwork exemplifies the artistry of late 17th-century metalworking, where a die is hammered into soft metal—likely silver—to produce intricate, relief designs with remarkable detail and durability. Such struck medals were prized as portable commemoratives, blending sculpture and printmaking techniques for elite collectors. The medallion honors Mary II (1662–1694), co-ruler of England, Scotland, and Ireland alongside her husband William III after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Mary's untimely death from smallpox in December 1694 at age 32 prompted widespread mourning across Protestant Europe, symbolized in art like this piece. Produced just months later, it captures a pivotal moment of dynastic transition, reflecting Dutch artistic prowess in eulogizing foreign monarchs amid Anglo-Dutch alliances. Generously donated by Mrs. J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this rare survival invites us to ponder personal grief amid political history— a tangible echo of 17th-century devotion to a beloved queen.