Henri II, 1519-1559, King of France 1547 [obverse] 1552

This bronze coin, made by Etienne Delaune, depicts Henri II, King of France, who reigned from 1547 to 1559. As a portrait, the coin is less about personal likeness, and more about presenting an image of power, authority, and lineage. Henri is shown in profile, wearing armor, and encircled by Latin text. The visual cues present in the coin tell us about the prevailing ideas and political climate of the time. Monarchs often used symbols and imagery to convey their authority, divine right, and military strength. The use of armor suggests the importance of warfare and protection in maintaining power, while the Latin text connects him to the legacy of the Roman Empire. Delaune's coin offers insight into the construction of royal identity and the strategies employed to legitimize and perpetuate monarchical power. It underscores the emotional weight carried by objects of representation during periods of social and political change.