24. Another. Obv. Similar: bust of Queen l., with pearls in hair, ELIZABETH. D. G. ANGLIE, &c. Rev. Ark in waves; above, sun. SEVAS (sic) TRANQVILLA PER VNDAS. Silver. Size 2. Cast and chased; with ring for suspension.
This medal refers only to the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The English flag-ship was called the "Royal Ark," which may have suggested the reverse type.
25. Another. Obv. Pope, kings and others seated in council, with eyes bandaged; floor covered with spikes; above, O COECAS HOMINVM MENTES, O PECTORA COECA; around, DVRVM EST CONTRA STIMVLOS CALCITRARE. (Acts ix. 5.) Rev. Fleet driven on rocks; above, VENI VIDE VIVE. 1588; around, TV DEVS MAGNVS ET MAGNA FACIS TV SOLVS DEVS. (Ps. lxxxvi. 10.) Silver. Size 2. Struck. Dutch.
The obverse satirizes the confederation formed against Elizabeth by the Pope, the King of Spain, the Emperor, and others; the reverse represents the defeat of the Armada.
26. Another. Obv. Naval engagement, destruction of Spanish fleet. FLAVIT ET DISSIPATI SVNT. 1588; above, Jehovah, in Hebrew. Rev. Church on rock amid stormy waves; beneath, shield, arms of Prince Maurice crowned. ALLIDOR NON LÆDOR. Silver. Size 2. Struck. Dutch.
The destruction of the Armada was due in great measure to the violence of a storm. As this medal bears the shield of Prince Maurice, it is probable that it was struck by his direction in Holland.
27. Mary, Queen of Scots, 1567? Obv. Bust r., wearing cap with veil, ruff, &c. MARIA STOVVAR REGI. SCOTI. ANGLI. IA. PRIMAVE. Reverse plain. Copper. Size 2·5. Cast. By G. Primavera.[3]
This medal presents us with a remarkable portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, and is the work of Giacomo Primavera. Its date is uncertain, but judging from other existing portraits of Mary, it was probably executed about the same time as the Morton portrait, which was painted by order of Mary during her imprisonment in Lochleven Castle, 1566—67. There are modern casts of this medal, to which a reverse has been added. (See guide to Italian medals, No. [181].)
28. Richard Shelley, 1577. Obv. Half-length figure r., in armour with cross of Knights of St. John on breastplate. RICARDVS SCELLEIVS PRIOR ANGLIAE AN. A. LXIIII. Rev. Arm issuing from clouds holding shield with crest, arms of Shelley. PRO FIDE SPOLIATI CLYPEVS OBSES. Copper. Size 2·75. Cast and chased. Italian work.
Sir Richard Shelley born in 1514 was a Knight of Malta, Grand Prior of England, and as Turcopelier, took part in the defence of Malta against the Turks in 1565. He died abroad, probably at Venice, where this medal appears to have been executed.