Huwelijk van Hendrik IV, koning van Frankrijk met Maria de' Medici Possibly 1603 - 1628

This bronze medal, crafted by Guillaume Dupré, commemorates the marriage of Henri IV of France to Maria de' Medici. The motif of clasped hands, a ‘dextra junctio,’ immediately captures our attention. This gesture, symbolizing agreement, union, and loyalty, has ancient roots, appearing on Roman marriage medals. Here, the joining of hands transcends a mere marital bond, representing the union of two powerful houses and the hope for stability in France. Above the couple, a hand reaches down from the clouds, blessing the union, a motif echoed in countless religious paintings where divine intervention guides earthly affairs. Consider how this differs from ancient Roman depictions, where the focus was primarily on familial and political alliances, the addition of a divine element adds a layer of spiritual and moral legitimacy. The emotional weight of this imagery cannot be understated. Such symbols tap into our collective memory, evoking feelings of security, loyalty, and divine favor, reminding us that history is a cyclical dance of recurring motifs, each adapted to its time.