Christine of France, Duchess of Savoy (1608–63) 1635

This bronze portrait medallion of Christine of France, Duchess of Savoy, was made by Guillaume Dupré. Dupré worked as a sculptor of monuments and medals, and here he shows a masterful control of relief. Bronze has been used for millennia to record and disseminate power, from ancient coins to the present day. The scale of this object – just two and a half inches in diameter – invites intimate inspection. You can see the crisp detail of Christine’s hair, dress, and jewelry, all achieved through the skilled manipulation of tools against the metal. Considered a highly refined art form, bronze casting here serves a propagandistic purpose. It presents Christine as a figure of strength and authority. Dupré’s artistry, and the inherent value of the bronze itself, elevate her status. This medallion shows how the language of craft and design have long been used to embody social and political power.