The Christopher Foley, F.S.A., Collection Of Early English Medals - 16th October 2014
Lot 276
John Campbell
Estimate £1,600 - £1,800 | Hammer £2200
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Description
John Campbell, Earl of Loudon (1598-1663), silver portrait medal, 1645, by Abraham Simon, signed AS on truncation, capped bust of Campbell, to left, wearing plain collar and doublet, rev., legend, IOHAN COM LOVDOVN SVMMVS SCOTIÆ CANCELLARIVS 1645, 36mm (MI 321/157; Eim. 148; CP 97/5; Platt II, p. 63), A strong portrait, cast and very lightly chased, good very fine and very rare.
Campbell was a member of the General Assembly of 1638 and opposed the imposition of the new prayer book by Charles I and Archbishop Laud and the King's interference with the traditions of the Scottish nobility. He became a leading spokesman for the Covenanter movement and was one of the seven Scottish nobles who signed a letter to the King of France requesting his aid. The discovery of this letter led to his arrest for treason and committal to the Tower but with the support of the Marquis of Hamilton he was released and permitted to return to Scotland.
In 1641 he was appointed to be the Lord Chancellor of Scotland and was also First Commissioner of the Treasury and President of the Privy Council, positions he held till he was deposed at the Restoration in 1660. He was Chancellor of St. Andrew's University.
Provenance: Morton & Eden, 20-21 May, 2003 (lot 1153).