Marie de' Medici, 1573-1642, Wife of King Henri IV of France 1600 1624

This is a bronze medal of Marie de' Medici, wife of King Henri IV of France, created around 1600 by Guillaume Dupré. The medal presents a portrait of Marie in profile, adorned with elaborate lace and jewelry, typical of the French court. The medal was made at a time when the French monarchy sought to consolidate power and project an image of grandeur. Portraiture, particularly in the form of medals, played a crucial role in shaping public perception and legitimizing the rule of the monarch and their family. These medals were often commissioned by the court and distributed among courtiers and foreign dignitaries, serving as propaganda tools. To understand this medal, we can explore how it reflects the social and political dynamics of the French court. By examining historical documents, court records, and the biographies of both Marie de' Medici and Guillaume Dupré, we can gain insights into the networks of patronage and power that shaped its creation and reception. It reveals the social conditions that give rise to the production and consumption of art.