1 OF 10306

King Alfred ('The Great')

1 of 10306 portraits matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'In profile'

by Unknown artist
silver penny, circa 887
3/4 in. (19 mm) diameter
Purchased, 1962
Primary Collection
NPG 4269

Sitterback to top

King Alfred ('The Great') (849-899), King of the West Saxons. Sitter associated with 13 portraits.

Artistback to top

Unknown artist, Artist. Artist associated with 6553 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In the Anglo-Saxon era, portraits on coins were intended as emblems of kingship rather than individual likenesses. However, they demonstrate how leaders could reinforce their claim to rule by disseminating their own image on objects that were used and exchanged on a daily basis. The ruler’s portrait also provided confidence in the legitimacy of the coinage.

Linked publicationsback to top

Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 5
Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 2
Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 12
Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 17

Subjects & Themesback to top

Tell us more back to top

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