John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722)
Category
Jewellery
Date
1722
Materials
Gold, Lacquer
Measurements
148 x 96 x 6 mm
Order this imageCollection
Chartwell, Kent
NT 1101133
Summary
Black and gold oval lacquered pendant with an engraved likeness of the Duke of Marlborough, the reverse inscribed "Juillet 26, 1722" believed to be the work of Japanese artisans following representations in European books. Gift of Dr. J.L.F. van Essen, Ass. Librarian of the Peace Palace Library, The Hague, 6 May 1948. Formerly part of the Heirloom Collection.
Full description
The Hague Congress, considered by many as the first federal moment of the European history, was held in the Congress of Europe in The Hague from 7–11 May 1948 with 750 delegates participating from around Europe as well as observers from Canada and the United States. The Congress brought together representatives from across a broad political spectrum, providing them with the opportunity to discuss ideas about the development of European political co-operation. Important political figures such as Konrad Adenauer, Winston Churchill, Harold Macmillan, Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, Pierre-Henri Teitgen, François Mitterrand (both ministers in Robert Schuman's government), three former French prime ministers, Paul Reynaud, Édouard Daladier, Paul Ramadier, Paul van Zeeland, Albert Coppé and Altiero Spinelli took part. Churchill was Honorary Chairman of the Congress and gave the opening speech in which he warned of the danger of Russia to future European unification. There is a British Pathé film of his speech “’Europe Unite’ says Churchill”. Before his speech he smokes a cigar and then, while France’s Socialist ex-Premier Ramadier speaks, covers his face with his hands, so much so that the camera cuts away!). http://www.britishpathe.com/video/europe-unite-says-churchill Dr Jan Louis Frederik van Essen wrote a number of books/articles on international law and was involved in the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights at The Hague. Churchill arrived at The Hague on the afternoon of the 6th May and presumably met Van Essen there. This marks a major European event. The Churchill Archive contains: Letter to Churchill from Dr J L F van Essen, Assistant Librarian of the Hague, on the gift of the medallion, with a copy of Churchill's reply.
Provenance
gift of Dr. J.L.F. van Essen, Assistant Librarian of the Peace Palace Library, The Hague, 6 May 1948
Marks and inscriptions
Juillet 26, 1722