Reference:4266 Oliver Cromwell, Lord High Protector: Carved Ivory Portrait Relief, c. 1658

Bust of Oliver Cromwell in high relief, to left, draped, his head laureate. Incuse legend: OLIVAR D.G. P.P. ANF. SCOT. ET. HIB. &c PRO. The oval relief is loosely set into a narrow ivory frame. 50 x 40 mm. (2 x 1.6 inches); with the frame 62 x 52 mm. (2.5 x 2.1 inches).

Condition: The relief itself is in extremely fine condition and it is most attractive; the frame in which it is set has a split at the lower edge, which is visible on the image.

Notes:

This portrait of Cromwell has very close parallels with the coinage by Thomas Simon, and most particularly with the 1658 Cromwell crown and halfcrown. A contemporary or early piece of manuscript with Cromwell's dates accompanies the relief. The item is believed to be of English workmanship, or by an artist working in England.