Louis II de Bourbon, 1621-1687, Prince de Condé [obverse] c. 18th century

This is a medal of Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, crafted by Jean Dassier. A profile portrait is the dominant symbol here, meant to immortalize and assert the subject’s status. The profile view, reminiscent of ancient Roman coins, aims to connect the Prince de Condé with the grandeur of classical antiquity. This echoes the visual language used by Renaissance artists, who sought to revive classical forms to convey power and authority. The flowing wig, a hallmark of the French Baroque era, is a symbol of status, immediately recognizable and carefully cultivated to project power and sophistication. Yet, it is not merely a symbol of vanity, but a carefully constructed persona meant to elicit reverence. We might see echoes of this in contemporary portraiture across various cultures, where the subject is meticulously presented to convey specific social or psychological attributes. The portrait serves as a potent reminder of how images can be manipulated to shape collective memory and perception, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level.