Lot Essay
The present bronze relief portrait of James II is virtually identical to an example sold in the sale of Magnificent French Siver and Works of Art From the Collection of Hubert de Givenchy at Christie's Monaco, 4 December 1993, lot 9 (FF 166,500). The actual model for the portrait is not known, but relates closely to images used for English coinage. This is an interesting relation, as we know that Norbert Roettiers, the nephew and assistant of one of the chief engravers of the Royal Mint during the reigns of Charles II and James II, was an avid Jacobite. He left England for France in 1695 and attached himself to the exiled Stuart court at St. Germain and is known to have produced coins and medals for the Stuart court and their adherers.