Young Louis and Minerva [reverse] 1610

This bronze oval medal, titled "Young Louis and Minerva", was crafted by Guillaume Dupré. The surface is dominated by a warm, patinated bronze hue, casting a classical elegance over the scene. Compositionally, the medal is divided between the figures of young Louis and Minerva, with the gaze directed to the young boy. Notice the intricate inscription that frames the upper part of the medal, functioning almost as a halo. The structure creates a dialogue between the earthly and divine, emphasizing the medal's symbolic richness. Consider how Dupré’s choice of bronze, with its inherent gravitas and subtle tonal variations, enriches the medal's aesthetic and conceptual depth. The artist uses line and form to destabilize established meanings, inviting a deeper understanding of the medal's function within the cultural and philosophical milieu of its time.