Oliver Cromwell ('The Lord Protector Medal')

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

by Thomas Simon
silver medal, 1653
1 1/2 in. (38 mm) diameter
Given by The Cromwell Association in memory of the Rt Hon. Isaac Foot, 1964
Primary Collection
NPG 4366

Sitterback to top

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), Lord Protector of England. Sitter associated with 224 portraits.

Artistback to top

Thomas Simon (1618-1665), Engraver. Artist associated with 24 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

The Lord Protector Medal; struck to commemorate Cromwell's inauguration as Lord Protector in 1653.

Linked publicationsback to top

Cooper, John, Great Britons: The Great Debate, 2002, p. 66
Cooper, John, Oliver the First: Contemporary Images of Oliver Cromwell, 1999, p. 14
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 155

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1653back to top

Current affairs

Dismissal of Rump Parliament. Briefly, power rests with the radicals' Barebone's Parliament before infighting leads to its dissolution. The subsequent passing of 'The Instrument of Government', drafted by Parliamentary General John Lambert, establishes the protectoral system, declaring Oliver Cromwell as lord protector and setting up a supervisory council of state.

Art and science

The London ironmonger, Izaak Walton publishes The Compleat Angler.
Cupid and Death, a masque written by dramatist James Shirley, is performed before the Portuguese ambassador, Count of Peneguiaõ, briefly reviving theatrical performances during the Interregnum.

International

Anglo-Dutch War. English navy blockade the Dutch coast forcing the economy of the Netherlands to collapse. Soon afterwards, naval forces clash for the last time at the battle of Scheveningen. Both sides claim victory, however, death of Dutch commander, Lieutenant-Admiral Maarten Tromp, ultimately signal defeat for the Netherlands.

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