The Synod of Dort [Dordtrecht]

The Synod of Dort [Dordtrecht], silver medal, 1619, by W. van Bijlaer, panoramic view of the long chamber at Dordrecht with the Council assembled, CVM - PRIV and date 16 - 19, to left and right of barrier, ASSERTA RELIGIONE, rev., pilgrims ascend a hill, on which the temple of heaven is attacked by the four winds, the name יְהֹוָה radiates from above, ERVNT VT MONS SION, 58mm (MI 222/77; vL II, 105; Eim. 99). Extremely fine.

The obverse image showing the Synod in session is in extraordinary detail and is copied from a painting by Pouwel Weyts, which now hangs in the Stedelijk Museum, Dordrecht. The British delegates at the Synod were George Carleton (1559-1628), Bishop of Llandaff, Joseph Hall (1574-1657), Thomas Goad (1576-1638), John Davenant (1576-1641), and Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626). A specimen of the medal was given to every participant.

Provenance: Bonham's Auction, 14 July, 2004 (lot 578).