Henri II, 1519-1559, King of France 1547 [obverse] c. 16th century

This bronze medal presents a profile of Henri II, King of France from 1547 to 1559. The composition is dominated by the king's head and shoulders, encircled by an inscription that identifies him. The artist has meticulously captured the texture of Henri's beard and hair with tightly controlled lines. The play of light across the king's features gives a sense of depth and volume, highlighting the structure of his face and the set of his jaw. The circular format is significant. It references the classical tradition of portrait medals while it contains the figure of the king within a defined boundary. This not only emphasizes his individual likeness but also suggests his role as a ruler contained within the structure of the state. The carefully placed inscription underscores this notion, framing the image as both a representation of a man and a symbol of power. Note how the medal form and Henri's likeness aren’t simply aesthetic choices; they also convey potent ideological meaning.