The martyr king

An unusual mid-17th century silver heart for a Royalist supporter. Immediately after the execution of the King in 1649 mourning jewels were created for his many loyal supporters. This mourning jewel is unusual in both its iconography and its larger than normal size.  The obverse is engraved with his earthly crown and a heart being pierced by arrows and the reverse is engraved with a stylised lily, the flower of death. The pierced heart was a symbol used on mourning pieces for the King. The heart-shape suggests the wearer’s loyalty, as well as undying divine love. It implies that love is not conquered by death. The heart measures 2/3 of an inch by 2/3 of an inch. An example of a Charles 1st mourning heart I have not seen before.

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