Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Roettiers, James

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685993Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 49 — Roettiers, James1897Warwick William Wroth

ROETTIERS, JAMES (1663–1698), medallist, the second son of John Roettiers [q. v.], the medallist, was born in London in 1663. From about 1680 he assisted his father at the English mint in making dies and puncheons (Cal. Treasury Papers, 1556–1696 pp. 108, 110, 513, 1697–1701–2 p. 195), and in 1690 was officially employed as an assistant engraver at the mint together with his brother Norbert. An annual salary of 325l. was divided between the brothers. In 1697 (before July) James Roettiers was removed from his office at the mint in consequence of the theft of dies from the Tower [see under Roettiers, John]. He was however allowed to retain his dies and puncheons for medals. He died in 1698 at Bromley in Kent.

His principal medals are: 1. ‘Battle of La Hogue,’ rev. ‘Nox nulla secuta est’ (probably by him), 1692. 2. ‘Death of Queen Mary,’ rev. inscription, 1694–5 (by James and Norbert Roettiers). 3. ‘Death of Mary,’ rev. Sun setting behind hill, 1694–5. 4. ‘Death of Mary,’ rev. Interior of chapel (signed I. R.), 1694–5. 5. ‘Medal of Charles I,’ rev. ‘Virtutem ex me,’ &c. (by James and Norbert Roettiers), 1694–5. 6. ‘Presentation of collar to the Lord Mayor of Dublin,’ signed ‘James R.’ (one of his best medals), 1697.

He was the father of James Roettiers (1698–1772), medallist, who was born in London in 1698, and held the office of engraver-general of the Low Countries from 31 Aug. 1733 till his death at Brussels on 15 July 1772.

[For authorities see under ROETTIERS, JOHN.]

W. W.