Medallion
ca. 1702 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This boxwood carving, almost certainly a one-off, resembles the medallions that were widely circulated in the 17th century. This was a turbulent period in English history and medallions, usually in bronze or silver, were struck to commemorate important events or serve as propaganda. In 1691 William III ordered a medal of himself as the liberator of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Time
To his supporters, William represented the return of constitutional monarchy and the salvation of Protestantism. Thus his assumption to the throne in 1688 was hailed as the 'Glorious Revolution'. His predecessor James II represented 'popery', a derogatory term for Catholicism, and absolutism, the autocratic rule associated with Louis XIV and France.
Materials & Making
Boxwood is a close-grained hardwood particularly suited to small and intricate carving. Its colour ranges from yellow to orange-brown and when polished it develops a shiny surface. Box was then grown in south-east England and John Evelyn, in Silva: or A Discourse on Forest-Trees (1662), said it was 'of special use for the turner, engraver, carver who give great prices for it by weight, as well as measure'.
This boxwood carving, almost certainly a one-off, resembles the medallions that were widely circulated in the 17th century. This was a turbulent period in English history and medallions, usually in bronze or silver, were struck to commemorate important events or serve as propaganda. In 1691 William III ordered a medal of himself as the liberator of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Time
To his supporters, William represented the return of constitutional monarchy and the salvation of Protestantism. Thus his assumption to the throne in 1688 was hailed as the 'Glorious Revolution'. His predecessor James II represented 'popery', a derogatory term for Catholicism, and absolutism, the autocratic rule associated with Louis XIV and France.
Materials & Making
Boxwood is a close-grained hardwood particularly suited to small and intricate carving. Its colour ranges from yellow to orange-brown and when polished it develops a shiny surface. Box was then grown in south-east England and John Evelyn, in Silva: or A Discourse on Forest-Trees (1662), said it was 'of special use for the turner, engraver, carver who give great prices for it by weight, as well as measure'.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved boxwood |
| Brief description | Medallion depicting the arms of William III, carved boxwood, ca. 1702 |
| Physical description | Boxwood carving. An oval medallion; within a raised border. At the top a cherub's head with ribbons attached above the Royal Arms of King William III with foliage mantling, and bay leaves below. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Mr Philip Phillips, through The Art Fund |
| Object history | This medallion may have been made to mark William III's death in 1702. The carving includes a winged cherub and crossed palm leaves which are symbols often associated with death. This was probably a personal memorial of the dead king, specially commissioned by its original owner. Woodcarving, gift of Philip A S Phillips Esq, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London W1 Notes from R.P. 1933/5104 (located in National Art Collections Fund nominal file 1933 n.b. the nominal file for Phillip A S Phillips ends with Nov. 1933 papers) 29/12/33 Gift Approval Form lists as "Box-wood carving - Arms of William III, King of England" 11/1/34 H Clifford Smith report to Brackett "This minute medallion, carved in high relief with the Royal Arms of William III, is a very fine piece of woodcarving, and fully worthy of acceptance". Brackett recommends the acceptance of "this extremely fine carving". 21/1/34 Maclagan writes Phillips to thank him for the "charming little wood medallion…." and for this "renewed* proof of your interest in (our collections)". |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | Object Type This boxwood carving, almost certainly a one-off, resembles the medallions that were widely circulated in the 17th century. This was a turbulent period in English history and medallions, usually in bronze or silver, were struck to commemorate important events or serve as propaganda. In 1691 William III ordered a medal of himself as the liberator of England, Scotland and Ireland. Time To his supporters, William represented the return of constitutional monarchy and the salvation of Protestantism. Thus his assumption to the throne in 1688 was hailed as the 'Glorious Revolution'. His predecessor James II represented 'popery', a derogatory term for Catholicism, and absolutism, the autocratic rule associated with Louis XIV and France. Materials & Making Boxwood is a close-grained hardwood particularly suited to small and intricate carving. Its colour ranges from yellow to orange-brown and when polished it develops a shiny surface. Box was then grown in south-east England and John Evelyn, in Silva: or A Discourse on Forest-Trees (1662), said it was 'of special use for the turner, engraver, carver who give great prices for it by weight, as well as measure'. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.2-1934 |
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| Record created | October 18, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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