The numismatic chronicle and journal of the Royal Numismatic Society

VIII.
THE TECHNIQUE OF SIMON VAN
DE PASSE.
(SEE PLATES X, XI.)
THE British Museum recently acquired an unusually
fine example of the work of Simon van de Passe, which,
so far as I know, is unique [PI. X. l].
It is a silver
plaque, 55 x 43 mm. or 2-2 x 1-79 inches in dimensions,
engraved on both sides in the artist's well-known
manner. It represents the bust of a man, with pointed
ruff and
beard, three-quarter face turned to r., wearing
doublet. The design is enclosed in a border such as is
not, to my knowledge, found on any other medallion
the same hand. On the reverse is a heraldic
by
achievement, apparently as follows : Quarterly of six,
three and three: 1. [az.] a chevron ermine between
three rams' heads razed ; 2. a lion debruised by a fess
engrailed; 3. an eagle displayed; 4. vair; 5. [gu.]
three bends [arg.] ; 6. three thistles ; Crest, a thistle.
The shading, it is clear, is anything but systematic;
and I doubt whether it is intended seriously.
The motto on a scroll below is " Minervam tempo-
rare Musis ". There is no other inscription save the
signature, " Sim : Pafs. fee," which is, in a manner somewhat
unusual with the artist, written over (or under) the
shading of the field, instead of on a clear space.
The identification of the coat of arms seems to pre-
sent considerable difficulties. I have to thank Lyon