Charles II: Royal Coat of Arms

John Roettier

late 1660s (?) · Gold · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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.

Artist

John Roettier

Date

late 1660s (?)

Medium

Gold

Culture

British, London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019