Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

Elizabeth I, silver oval portrait medal by Simon de Passe, circa 1616, oval silver portrait medal, by Simon de Passe, in imitation of engraving, signed "Si: Pas. f", in narrow border at top of obverse, bust of Elizabeth three-quarters right, her eyes turned to the viewer, wearing small crown, her hair richly jewelled, high ruff collar and her "Armada" dress (after the miniature by Isaac Oliver), rev., crowned Royal shield within Garter, Lion and Unicorn supporters, DIEV ET MON DROIT on ribbon above, Latin epigram on tablet below, QVI LEO DE IVDA EST ET FLOS DE IESSE LEONES PROTEGAT ET FLORES ELIZABETHA TVOS, 61 x 49.5 mm (MI 183/187; Farquhar 138). Extremely fine with dark-toned, extremely rare.

MI attributes the epigram to a "Westminster scholar" whilst also attributing the contemporary translation to another, "May Juda's lyon and the root of Jesse / Protect thy lyons and thy flowers, Sweet Bess". This legend was re-used on a commemorative medal for the 450th anniversary of the founding of Westminster School in 2010. A specimen in gold was presented to Queen Elizabeth II. The "Armada" dress was that worn to the service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral. Simon de Passe (c. 1574-c.1644), the youngest son of Crispin Passe, an eminent artist from Utrecht, who taught him the art of engraving. He came to England in about 1613, living here some 10 years mostly in the employment of Nicholas Hillard to engrave counters of the Royal Family of England. He later moved to the service of the King of Denmark.

Provenance: Morton & Eden, 20-21 May, 2003 (lot 1116 - described as un-signed); ex Rt. Hon. Erik Alexander, 5th Earl of Caledon Collection, Christie's, 4 April 1967 (lot 137, there un-named). Eleven examples recorded in the Falkiner Index (please note: it is feasible that the Index may have duplicated recordings for this and other de Passe oval medals and just as feasible that some examples may have been missed). The Caledon Collection was commenced in the 17th century by James Butler of Amberley Castle, whose eldest daughter Catherine married Sir Thomas Pope Blount (b. 1670) in 1695. Thence by descent.