GEORGE BOWER (worked from c.1662)

Silver

1.05inch

2.67 cm

Extremely Fine and nicely toned

Silver medal struck on the marriage of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza. Obverse: Busts conjoined, right, of Charles II with hair long and bare neck and Catherine with slight drapery across the breast.
Legend: CAROLVS . II . ET . CATHARINA . D . G . MAG . BRIT . FR . ET . HIB . REX . ET . REGINA. Reverse: Jupiter, with very long beard and mantle concealing all the lower limbs, his left hand holding the fulmen and resting on his eagle's head, is seated left, among clouds, opposite to Venus who is looking towards him with Cupid behind her. Legend: MAIESTAS ET AMOR (Majesty and Love).

See Medallic Illustrations vol. I, p.481/92.

Catherine of Braganza was the daughter of John IV, King of Portugal. The union of Charles and Catherine was of great importance to the two countries, founding the Indian empire of England and establishing the independence of Portugal. The ceremony was performed privately by Lord d'Aubigny, a Roman Catholic priest and publicly by Sheldon, Bishop of London, after which their Majesties proceeded to Hampton Court, 29 May, 1662. The legend on the reverse of the medal is taken from Ovid. Medallic Illustrations comments that the whole passage would have been more true though less complimentary: "The pride of empire and the charms of love/ Dwell not together, nor together move". Provenance: ex. Spinks 27 February, 1980 (lot 423).

gbp 450.00 (Pound Sterling)

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