Oliver Cromwell and Tommaso Aniello (1622-1647)

Oliver Cromwell and Tommaso Aniello (1622-1647), called Masaniello, compared, silver medal, 1658, by O (Wouter) Müller, formed of two clichés joined by the rim, bust of Cromwell almost full-face, wearing plain collar over armour, classical soldiers to either side holding wreath above his head, legend in cartouche below, OLIVER CROMWELL PROTECTOR V ENGEL SCHOTL YRLAN 1658, rev., bust of Masaniello almost full-face, hair short, shirt open at the neck, between two sailors supporting a crown over his head, MAS'ANIELLO VISSCHER EN CONINCK V. NAPELS 1647., stippled field to both sides, 71.5mm (MI 432/78; vL II, 364, 3; Eim. 198; Scher, The Proud Republic, 26; Platt I, p. 345; Weiss Fig 3). Extremely fine and very rare.

Cromwell had little in common with Masaniello other than republican ideals. The latter was the leader of a revolt in Naples in 1647 against a tax that was levied on fruit. The tax was repealed on 13 July, but Masaniello was assassinated by dissident members of his own party three days later.

Provenance: Sotheby Auction, 3 May, 2001 (lot 827).