Henry IV, from the English Monarchs series 1731 - 1732

This bronze medal depicting Henry IV, part of the English Monarchs series, was crafted by Jean Dassier. Observe the regal symbols: the crown, the elaborate attire, and the inscription of his titles. These are not mere decorations but potent assertions of power and legitimacy. The crown, in particular, echoes across centuries, from ancient Roman laurel wreaths to medieval coronets. It’s an enduring symbol, yet its form evolves. Consider the headdresses of ancient rulers, or the papal tiara, each variant imbued with distinct cultural and religious connotations. The crown is a universal motif signifying authority, continually reshaped by collective memory and the subconscious desires for order. This image, therefore, isn't just a portrait of a king, but a point in the continuous cultural flow of symbols of power. We are forever bound to a cyclical return, where these symbols resurface, transformed, yet fundamentally resonant.