Jean-Louis de Nogaret de la Valette, Duke of Épernon, colonel general of infantry (1554–1642) 1607

This small bronze portrait of Jean-Louis de Nogaret de la Valette was made by Guillaume Dupré in the early 17th century. Dupré was a master of relief sculpture. To create this portrait, he likely started with a wax model, carefully shaping the details of the Duke’s face and armor. This was then cast in bronze, a material valued for its durability and ability to capture fine details. The process of bronze casting is labor-intensive, requiring specialized skills. The resulting object, however, could be reproduced, allowing for wider distribution. Medals like this were often commissioned by the sitter, or given as diplomatic gifts, functioning as miniature monuments that could circulate widely, thereby extending the Duke's sphere of influence. Considered in this light, the status of this object shifts. Is it a sculpture, or a kind of early modern propaganda? Ultimately, the answer lies in understanding the social context and the skilled work that went into its production.