£1,890
A Private Collection of Seals: Highlights from The Matrix Collection | 749
Auction: 19 May 2023 at 11:00 BST
the seal of navette outline, with a depiction of St. Andrew with the Saltire in a border SIGILLVM * R * D * IOHANNIS * ARCHIEPISCOPI * SANCTI * ANDREA, with an integral crescent handle to the reverse
Note:
Archbishop John Spottiswood was a highly important figure within the Scottish Church and worked at the highest levels of society.
Born in 1565 the eldest son of a Minister, he was educated at Glasgow University. He would take over from his father in the Parish of Calder in 1583 only two years after leaving Glasgow.
His rise within society is noted by 1601 when he was a Chaplain to the Duke of Lennox in the embassy to the French Court. He was with King James VI and I in England on his accession, once again showing his close relationship with Court.
He was nominated to the seat of Glasgow the same year but not consecrated until 1610.
His religious views appear to have changed over time, softening from his initial ardent strict Presbyterian attitudes. Some may consider this softening of views with his closer alignment to the Royal Court and the views he chose to share often supported the views of the King. He was a supporter in the suppression of kirk powers that encroached on Royal authority and indeed aimed to align the Scottish practices with the English Church.
In 1610 he presided as moderator and during this time the supremacy of Presbytery was abolished, it was not long after this his consecration was made official by the Bishops of London, Ely, Rochester and Worcester. He was made Archbishop of St Andrews and primate of Scotland in 1618.
He would continue a close and highly important relationship with the Royal Court and in 1633 would crown Charles I at the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh.
He published within his lifetime and, while not all would agree with his greatness must be considered an instrumental figure in 17th-century Scottish life and religion.
See National Portrait Gallery Collection for a contemporary portrait
John Spottiswoode by Wenceslaus Hollar - etching, circa 1655; published 1668
NPG D9946