Expedition to Brazil and capture of St. Thomas by admiral Van der Does. Betts 20 1599

Unknown artist

BronzeMetal
€ 650

Jongeling Numismatics & Ancient Art

• About the artwork
  Obverse: EN ALTERA QVÆ VEHAT ARGO, the ship the Argo seen from the side, a standing soldier on the prow, the large sail with the name of Jehovah, the golden fleece hanging from the prow, S.C. underneath
  Keerzijde: SIC NESCIA CEDERE FATA MDIC, bird’s-eye view of Bommeler- and Tielerwaard, two border posts in the shape of a human with the Hebrew text for Jehovah between them
  
  RARE
  
  The golden fleece on the prow refers to the myth of Jason and the golden fleece, who performed glorious feats with his argonauts. The caption, an adapted quote from Virgil, also refers to this: “alter erit tum Tiphys et altera quae vehat Argo delectos heroas” (“There will be another Tiphys and another Argo, which shall carry chosen heroes”).
  
  Pieter van der Does was a Dutch admiral (1562-1599) who fought against the Spanish during the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648). In 1599 he left on an expedition to Brazil with 66 ships, but not before entering into a confrontation with the Spanish to maintain Dutch hegemony at sea. He sailed towards the Spanish-Portuguese coast to set up a blockade there. This failed. He then sailed to Gran Canaria and took Las Palmas. However, he did not hold out here either and continued his journey to South America, where he stocked up on large quantities of wood (mahogany) and sugar in Brazil. He sailed back via the Cape Verde islands and also conquered the island of St. Thomas (São Tomé) on the African west coast. From this island they took 100 cannons, many chests of sugar, ivory and linen. Shortly afterwards, however, Van der Does, together with 1,000 crew members, became seriously ill and died within 15 days. This medal was issued after his death to commemorate his exploits.
  
  Weight: 6.48 g
  Diameter: AE 30.0 mm
  Grade: Extremely Fine
  Reference: vL. 532.2; Dugn. 3472; Betts 20
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

  Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

  As well you can find the following description:

  •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

  •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

  •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

  •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

  •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

Are you interested in buying this artwork?