Jean de Saulx, 1555-1629, Viscount of Tavanes and Lugny, and Marquess of Mirabet [obverse] 1614

This bronze medal depicts Jean de Saulx, Viscount of Tavanes, and was crafted by an anonymous artist. The profile portrait, a classical motif echoing ancient Roman coins, presents Saulx in armor, symbolizing military prowess. The inscription around the edge denotes his titles and commands, framing him within a circle of power and authority. Circular compositions appear throughout history, from Byzantine icons to Renaissance tondos, signifying completeness and divine order. The rigid posture and stern expression project an image of unyielding strength, a visual language understood across centuries. The armor, though functional, also serves as a psychological barrier, a mask concealing vulnerability. Such motifs are not merely aesthetic choices but rather potent cultural carriers, their evolution reflecting shifting societal values and the enduring human quest for immortality through representation. These symbols resonate even now, stirring subconscious associations with power, protection, and the enduring legacy of the self.