King Charles II in Coronation Robes [obverse] 1661

Thomas Simon created this silver medal of King Charles II in coronation robes. It’s a small object, but packed with the politics of imagery. Made in England, the medal commemorates Charles II's coronation, marking the restoration of the monarchy after the Interregnum. Royalist propaganda was crucial in the years leading up to this moment. The image projects the King's power and authority through visual codes: his regal attire, the crown, and the Latin inscription. The choice of silver itself isn't accidental; it's a lasting claim on England's wealth. The medal tells us about the Stuart monarchy's efforts to legitimize its rule after a period of political turmoil. It speaks to the social conditions and institutional structures that shaped artistic production, especially the close relationship between artists and the royal court. To understand this piece, historians would consult a range of sources, from political pamphlets to court records, to understand the social and institutional context in which it was made. Understanding art means understanding the society that produced it.