The J. Roettiers silver medal of James II and Mary of Modena
refers to a historical medal crafted by the Roettiers family, a renowned
dynasty of engravers and medalists. The medal specifically commemorates the
reign of James II, who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1685,
along with his wife Mary of Modena.
Here are some key points about the J. Roettiers silver medal
of James II and Mary of Modena in 1685:
- Medalist:
- The
medal was created by a member of the Roettiers family, known for their
skill in medal engraving. The Roettiers were a family of Flemish origin,
and several members were active in England as medalists during the late
17th century.
- James
II and Mary of Modena:
- James
II (reigned 1685-1688) was the second surviving son of King Charles I and
the younger brother of King Charles II. Mary of Modena, an Italian
princess, became his second wife in 1673.
- Accession
Medal:
- Medals
like this were often created to commemorate significant events, such as a
monarch's accession to the throne. In this case, it would likely be an
accession medal for James II.
- Design
Elements:
- The
medal would have featured portraits or depictions of James II and Mary of
Modena. The reverse side might have included symbols or imagery
associated with their reign.
- Material:
- The
medal you mentioned is made of silver, a common material for
commemorative medals during this period.
- Historical
Context:
- The
reign of James II was marked by political and religious tensions,
particularly his attempts to promote Catholicism in a predominantly
Protestant country. His reign ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
- Numismatic
Value:
- Medals
from this period can be of significant numismatic value, especially if
they are well-preserved and have historical importance. The value can
also be influenced by factors such as rarity and demand among collectors.
- Numismatic
References:
- To
learn more about the specific details and historical context of this
medal, you may want to consult numismatic references, catalogs, or
auction records that specialize in English medals from the 17th century.