Louis XII, 1462-1515, King of France 1498 1500

This bronze medal of Louis XII, King of France from 1498, presents a study in Renaissance portraiture, rendered in miniature. The circular form tightly frames the king's profile, emphasizing the details of his regal attire and physiognomy. The work's patina, a warm bronze, accentuates the textures and contours of the king’s features. The inscription encircling the portrait acts as a semiotic frame, anchoring the image in the context of royal authority. The choice of a profile view, reminiscent of ancient Roman coins, harkens back to classical ideals of leadership and power. The artist employs linear precision to define the king’s features. This precision creates a sense of realism while also projecting an image of idealized kingship. Consider how the medal's tactile nature invites an intimate interaction, transforming the owner into a tactile engagement with power. The circular format symbolizes the continuous and encompassing nature of royal dominion. This medal is not merely a representation, but an object designed to perpetuate the symbolic order of the French monarchy.