Medal of Sir John Cheke

This medal depicts Sir John Cheke (1514-57), the humanist and supporter of the Protestant Reformation who was knighted by Edward VI in 1552. Upon the accession of Queen Mary I, Cheke lost his position as Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge, imprisoned, and upon release, fled abroad. In 1556 he was captured and confined to the Tower of London and died the following year. The Art Fund purchased this piece in honour of Maurice Rosenheim brother of Max Rosenheim, both important collectors and significant benefactors of art.