The Second Great Seal of England, Under the Commonwealth c. 1656

This seal, created by the English medalist Thomas Simon in 1656, depicts Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England, on horseback. The seal, which is an example of a "Great Seal", was used to authenticate official documents of the Commonwealth government. The inscription surrounding Cromwell reads "OLIVARIUS DEI GRATIA REIP. ANGLIAE, SCOTIAE & HIBERNIAE PROTECTOR" (Oliver by the Grace of God, Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland). The artwork is a significant piece of historical art, representing the brief period of the Commonwealth and the rule of Oliver Cromwell.