William Laud, 1573-1645, Archbishop of Canterbury 1633 [obverse] c. 1661

This silver medal portraying William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, was created in the 17th century by Jan Roettiers. The art of medal-making is rooted in ancient traditions, evolving from coin production. Crafting such a medal involved skilled die-cutting and striking. The design was meticulously engraved into steel dies, which were then used to strike the image onto a metal blank. The material, silver, was carefully selected, its inherent qualities of malleability allowing for the intricate details to be captured, as well as representing value and status. The smooth surface and crisp details speak to the expertise required. The repetitive, forceful action of the striking process echoes the labor involved. This medal, therefore, represents a fusion of artistic skill, technical process, and material significance, all intertwined with social and political power. By appreciating the materials, making, and historical context, we gain a richer understanding of the medal's full meaning, moving beyond conventional art distinctions.