Two guineas coin of James II 1687

Curator: Here we have a gold "Two Guineas" coin dating back to 1687, crafted during the reign of James II, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s a stunning example of baroque-era decorative art. Editor: My first impression is one of formality, yet there's something slightly melancholic about the King's expression. The sheen of the gold does little to offset it. Curator: Coins like this served a crucial role in consolidating power, publicly broadcasting the monarch’s image and, of course, enabling commerce. The artistry involved in these pieces elevated them beyond mere currency. The phrase "Dei Gratia," inscribed upon the coin, reminds the public of the alleged divine justification for royal rule. Editor: Absolutely, and it’s important to acknowledge the politics inherent in that "divine right." Coins of this era circulated through a society stratified by class and defined by patriarchal norms. They embody a specific kind of economic and social power, shaped by gender, class and social roles in the late 17th century. Curator: John Roettier was the artist and Royal Mint engraver for this specific portrait of King James. The execution is rather incredible, don't you think? Editor: Definitely, especially given its tiny scale. Consider the labor, skill, and social status implicated in its creation. Curator: The use of gold is telling, it reinforces the king's wealth, of course, but it also communicates ideals about prosperity and permanence. It was about controlling not just finances but the entire visual landscape of power. Editor: Indeed. It's an interesting window into how images were, and continue to be, instruments of control and persuasion. Looking closely at its style, its design, reveals a great deal about power relations at that specific historical moment. Curator: Studying pieces like these reminds us that art and currency have always been deeply enmeshed in power structures, impacting how people perceived their leaders and the world around them. Editor: Agreed. This coin is an excellent artifact for considering not just economic history but also the narratives of identity, class, and political influence woven into its very surface.