Louis XVI 1777

This silver medal portraying Louis XV, was created by Jean Duvivier sometime before 1761. Consider the inherent qualities of the silver: its cool, reflective surface, its malleability which allows for incredibly fine detail in low relief. The process of die-striking, an early form of industrial production, was used to create multiple nearly-identical images, each a testament to royal power. Think about the skilled labor involved: the die cutter, the silversmith, the individuals involved in distributing these medallions. Each played a role in reinforcing the social order. The silver itself, likely sourced from colonial mines, speaks to global networks of extraction and exploitation that undergirded European monarchies. This medal is not just a portrait; it's a material embodiment of power relations. By understanding its making, we grasp the broader political and economic context in which it was created.