An Early 19th Century Bronzed Lead Portrait Roundel Depicting Queen Caroline, Wife of George IV. In a Square Frame with Suspension Loop.
This is the obverse of the 1820 'Queen's Trial' medal by Antoine Desboeufs or Amédée Pierre Durand.
Queen Caroline of Brunswick (1768 - 1821) was the wife of George IV. In 1820 Caroline, who had been living abroad for the past six years, arrived unexpectedly in England to claim her right to be crowned queen. On his accession, George IV was determined to obtain a divorce from his estranged wife, however the only legal grounds at that time was adultery.
The government, under intense pressure from the king, reluctantly agreed to introduce a bill which would have annulled the royal marriage and deprived Caroline of her title. The Pains and Penalties Bill was brought before Parliament, requesting that the marriage should be dissolved and Caroline deprived of the title of Queen.
Queen Caroline gained public sympathy and eventually the bill failed. She was famously shut out of Westminster Abbey during the Coronation of George IV and died a month later.
In excellent condition with age related wear to the frame and a fine patina to the roundel.
Approximate frame dimensions are 12.8 cm length and 12.5 cm width.
Approximate roundel diameter is 9.7 cm.
Approximate weight is 160 grams.