Jacques Boyceau de la Barauderie, c. 1562-1633/1638, Intendant des Jardins under Louis XIII [obverse] 1624

This bronze medal was made by Abraham Dupré, around the mid-17th century. It depicts Jacques Boyceau de la Barauderie, who was superintendent of gardens to Louis XIII. Medals like this were typically made using a lost-wax casting process, where a wax model is created, encased in clay, then melted out to leave a cavity for molten bronze. This particular example is notable for its high relief and detailed modeling. You can clearly see the texture of Boyceau's hair and beard, as well as the intricate lace collar and patterned fabric of his doublet. The work celebrates individual achievement, while also demonstrating the power of skilled handcraft. It invites us to consider the nature of labor in the production of art, design, and even landscape. The medal is both a portrait of Boyceau and a testament to Dupré's virtuosity as a bronze caster, elevating the status of both men through the art of making.