Verbranding van Hugh Latimer, bisschop van Worcester, te Oxford

About this artwork

diameter 2,8 cm x gewicht 10,17 gr

Art Historical Context

This exquisite struck medal, titled *Verbranding van Hugh Lat, bisschop van Worcester, te Oxford* ("The Burning of Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester, at"), was crafted by Swiss medalist Jean Dassier in1725. Measuring just 2.8 cm in diameter and weighing 10.17 grams, it exemplifies the precision of 18th-century metalworking. Dassier, from a renowned family of engravers in Geneva, specialized in historical portrait medals that commemorated pivotal figures and events, blending artistry with educational intent. The medal depicts the martyrdom of Hugh Latimer, a key figure in the English Reformation. In 1555, under Queen Mary I's Catholic restoration, Protestant bishop Latimer was burned at the stake in Oxford alongside Nicholas Ridley. His famous words—"play the man; we shall this day light such a candle... as I trust shall never be put out"—symbolized enduring Protestant resilience. Created nearly two centuries later, Dassier's work reflects the ongoing fascination with Reformation heroes amid Europe's religious and political tensions. Struck medals like this were prized collectibles, akin to miniature sculptures, showcasing Dassier's mastery of high-relief engraving and detailed portraiture. This small bronze token invites us to ponder faith, persecution, and legacy, bridging history with tangible beauty in a museum setting.