Terugkeer en plechtige inhaling van Karel II in Londen 1660

This silver medal commemorates the return of Charles II to London. It was made by an anonymous artist, most likely in the Netherlands in 1660. The medal connects to the wider social and cultural context of the English Restoration, following a period of Interregnum where England was ruled as a Commonwealth after the execution of Charles I. On one side, the image creates meaning through its visual code depicting a profile portrait of Charles II, surrounded by text proclaiming him King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. The reverse side shows a sun shining upon a bare tree that is beginning to sprout leaves, symbolizing renewal and hope for the monarchy. The Dutch Republic, where this medal was made, played a key role in harboring Charles II during his exile, highlighting the interconnected political landscapes of the time. Medals like these offer historians a glimpse into the public sentiment and the political narratives that circulated. They help us to explore the complex social and institutional dynamics of 17th-century Europe.