Medal thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 54

Medal

ca. 1706 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This medal was issued to celebrate the relief of Barcelona (Spain) by the British from the French in 1694.

People
John Croker (1670-1741) was born in Dresden, and worked in Germany and The Netherlands before arriving in England in 1691. In 1697 he was appointed assistant engraver to the Royal Mint, and in 1705 became Chief Engraver, a post he held until his death. Croker produced 29 different medals during Queen Anne's reign (1702-14). Many were struck to celebrate the successful military engagements undertaken by the British in the wars against the French.

Materials & Making
The medal was struck in bronze. Struck medals were produced from metal dies engraved with the design in reverse. A flat disc was placed between the dies, which were then compressed, so that the design was reproduced on the metal. This technique meant that a high number of medals could be made using the same dies over and over, whereas the technique of casting medals was generally more complex and therefore usually suitable only for smaller numbers.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Medal commemorating the relief of Barcelona, 1706, made in London and signed by John Croker
Dimensions
  • Approx. depth: 0.3cm
  • Diameter: 3.5cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 28/03/2000 by SP
Marks and inscriptions
(Decoration; Reverse shows a view of Barcelona with the inscription)
Translation
'Barcelona liberated from the French 1 May 1706'
Gallery label
British Galleries: MEDALS commemorating military victories These medals belong to a series designed to celebrate British victories against France in the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713). Each carries a scene recording victory on one side, and Queen Anne's portrait on the other. The Royal Mint produced them in different metals. In 1695, a bronze medal cost about 5 shillings (25p), while a silver version might cost several pounds. Collectors often displayed medals like these in cabinets in private libraries.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by the late Jas. W. Fleming
Object history
Made in London and signed by John Croker (born in Dresden, Germany, 1670, died in London, 1741)
Subjects depicted
Place depicted
Summary
Object Type
This medal was issued to celebrate the relief of Barcelona (Spain) by the British from the French in 1694.

People
John Croker (1670-1741) was born in Dresden, and worked in Germany and The Netherlands before arriving in England in 1691. In 1697 he was appointed assistant engraver to the Royal Mint, and in 1705 became Chief Engraver, a post he held until his death. Croker produced 29 different medals during Queen Anne's reign (1702-14). Many were struck to celebrate the successful military engagements undertaken by the British in the wars against the French.

Materials & Making
The medal was struck in bronze. Struck medals were produced from metal dies engraved with the design in reverse. A flat disc was placed between the dies, which were then compressed, so that the design was reproduced on the metal. This technique meant that a high number of medals could be made using the same dies over and over, whereas the technique of casting medals was generally more complex and therefore usually suitable only for smaller numbers.
Bibliographic reference
List of Objects in the Art Division, South Kensington, Acquired During the Year 1877, Arranged According to the Dates of Acquisition. London : Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O. p. 162.
Collection
Accession number
1805-1877

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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