Louis XIII, King of France (b. 1601, r. 1610–43) 1620 - 1623

This undated medal of Louis XIII, King of France, was created by Guillaume Dupré. Measuring just over two inches in diameter, the circular medal is dominated by the King's profile. Dupré has masterfully used line and form to convey power. The King’s sharply defined profile contrasts with the intricate, almost serpentine lines of his lace collar and wavy hair. The lettering, precisely inscribed along the medal's edge, functions as both a border and a declaration, framing Louis XIII as the divinely appointed ruler of France and Navarre. The circular format itself, unbroken and continuous, could be read as a symbol of the eternal nature of the monarchy. Consider how Dupré uses the interplay of textures—the smoothness of the face against the complexity of the clothing. The medal is more than just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed statement about authority, identity, and the enduring power of symbols.