1966.131.55.a
James III Stuart (1688–1766), The Old Pretender
Artist
Ottone Hamerani
(1694 - 1761)
Title
James III Stuart (1688–1766), The Old Pretender
Creation Date
1721
Century
18th century
Dimensions
1 15/16 in. (5 cm.)
Classification
Medals/Plaquettes
Creation Place
Europe, Italy
Medium and Support
copper
Credit Line
Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1966.131.55.a
James III, a member of the Catholic House of Stuarts, which had been forced off the throne of England during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and replaced by the Protestant House of Hanover, sought to inspire his supporters to take up his cause with this 1721 medal by Ottone Hamerani. On the reverse, London is depicted in chaos with the white horse of Hanover trampling a unicorn and the British lion while Britannica weeps on the side. Despite the aspirational Latin inscription, “Unicus Salus” (The only Salvation), the Jacobites were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempts to recapture the monarchy.
Object Description
124 JAMES III STUART (1688-1766), The Old Pretender 1721
Obv. Bust to right, in peruke and armor with sun insignia. Around, VNICA SALVS
Rev. Britannia seated on left with Thames and London behind. In foreground, the horse of Hanover tramples the Unicorn and Lion of England. To right, three fleeing figures. Around, QVID . GRAVIVS . CAPTA; in exergue, MDCCXXI
Copper, struck, 50 mm.
Appeal against the House of Hanover. Hamerani was a favorite of James III.
Bibl.: Forrer 2, p. 407; Med. III. 2, p. 454, no. 63; pl. 145, no. 3.
