Charlotte-Marie de Montmorency, 1594-1650, Wife of Henri de Bourbon 1609 [reverse] 1611

This bronze medal, crafted by Guillaume Dupré around 1609, immortalizes Charlotte-Marie de Montmorency, wife of Henri de Bourbon. The profile bust is framed by opulent details: intricate floral hair ornaments, a pearl necklace, and the high, decorative collar, all symbols of nobility and grace. Note the fan behind her head. This is not merely an object of fashion, but a potent emblem that harkens back to ancient civilizations. In classical antiquity, fans were associated with divine figures and royal power, tools for creating a breeze and symbols of authority. Consider how this motif reappears in Renaissance portraits and even in religious iconography, often denoting status or a sacred presence. This enduring symbol, born from humanity’s deep-seated fascination with power and beauty, traverses time, echoing through cultural memory and manifesting in new forms. Each era imbues it with fresh nuances, while its essence remains, engaging viewers in a subconscious dance across centuries.