Marie de' Medici as Mother of the Gods 

Guillaume Dupré created this gold medal of Marie de' Medici as Mother of the Gods in France during the early 17th century. It is an allegorical portrait of the Queen as the Roman goddess Cybele, surrounded by other deities. But why cast a member of the French Royal Family as a pagan deity? It's helpful to remember that in Early Modern Europe, the power of a monarch was often associated with divine right. Rulers would use classical imagery to suggest that their power was divinely ordained. This medal was likely created for distribution among courtiers and diplomats, a constant reminder of the Queen's power and status. It also underscores the importance of the Medici family within the complex political landscape of Europe at that time. To understand this medal more deeply, researchers might consult genealogical records, court documents, and art treatises from the period. These sources would shed light on the political context and artistic conventions that shaped its creation.