Coronation of King George III [obverse] 1761

This is a silver medal made by Johann Lorenz Natter, commemorating the coronation of King George III of Great Britain. The profile portrait and surrounding Latin inscription are typical visual codes that establish authority through reference to the visual language of classical antiquity. Consider the politics of imagery in the 18th century. How did portraits of the king function to establish political power and social hierarchy? Note the use of Latin, which connects the British monarchy to the Roman emperors. The phrase around the edge declares George III to be King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. While Britain held no territory in France at this time, the title reminds us of a time of great territorial power. Historians look into how the visual arts participate in the construction of national identity, often referencing period documents, literature, and political theory. The meaning of this medal lies in its creation of symbolic value rather than economic value, as it casts the British monarchy in a historical light.