Abraham Van der Doort is a talented artist from the early 17th century. He is known for painting and designing medals and coins. His documented catalogue of the King's paintings, sculptures and coins is impressive.
Not much is known of the Dutch artist before he moved to England, but once here his talent was recognised and sought after. He first worked with the royals, creating medal and coin designs, through which his working relationships flourished.
In 1609, Abraham Van der Doort was tasked with being Prince Henry’s ‘Curator of his cabinet of Medals and Coins’. After Prince Henry’s death, he worked for Prince Charles I. Once Charles ascended to the throne, Van der Doort started producing new designs of the King for the Royal Mint. Charles instructed the Dutch artist to make the designs for ‘his majesty Coynes and his assistance to the engravers’. The King entrusted Van der Doort with two posts for life: Provider of Patterns and Life Keeper of the Kings Coins Collection.
Van der Doort was the first Surveyor of the King’s Pictures. This meant that he was responsible for the care of the Royal Household’s collection of pictures, specifically Charles I’s art collections.
Sadly, there is only a small number of Abraham Van der Doort’s work in today’s market. His most famous work is with the Juxon Medal. This medal has very similar imagery to the rare 1625 Charles I pattern half-crown, however, the designer of which is uncertain. The style techniques and imagery however suggest that it had been designed by Van der Doort rather than Thomas Rawlins.
Charles I Pattern Half Crown
The Charles I pattern half-crown is one of the rarest examples assumed to be by Abraham Van der Doort. It shows the bust of King Charles I with no crown and a lace collar on the obverse. Additionally, the Royal Coat of Arms is on the reverse. In 1625 this coin was produced as a prototype before beginning full-scale production. This was due to the intricacy of the design and the decision that it would slow down coin production. Ultimately the design for the 1625 half-crown is King Charles on a horse holding a sword, with the other side depicting an oval quartered shield of arms.
The 1625 Charles I pattern half-crown is spectacularly rare, with possibly only four currently recorded. It would be a remarkable addition to any numismatic collection.
Abraham Van der Doort in Auction
Monies, Medals & Militaria | Friday 30th August 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
Wednesday 21st August 10:00-16:00
Birmingham
Thursday 29th August 10:00-16:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know to buy with confidence. Find out more
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Alternatively, if you can't attend virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you're looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Chloe Hartley | Junior Cataloguer, Silver & Collectables
Newsletter Signup
Newsletter
