Inname van elf steden en forten door Frankrijk 1646 1646

This bronze medal commemorating France's capture of eleven cities and forts in 1646 was created by Jean Mauger. Notice the circular form, which constrains two distinct yet related images. On one side, the formal, almost rigid inscription of the King's name frames a delicate portrait of Louis XIV. The profile is clean, with close attention to the fall of light on his youthful features. This contrasts with the opposing side, dominated by the figure of Mars, the Roman god of war. The figure is self-contained, stoic, and composed. He stands in contrapposto, spear in hand. How do these formal choices reinforce symbolic meaning? The medal seems to be concerned with more than just historical record. The semiotic contrast between youth and martial strength suggests a powerful claim of divinely sanctioned rule. This medal is not just an object of commemoration, but an instrument of power and propaganda.