Henry IV, King of France (b. 1553, r. 1589–1610) and Marie de Médicis, his consort (1573–1642) 1603

This is a bronze medal of Henry IV and Marie de Medici, crafted by Guillaume Dupré. The profiles of the royal couple bear not just their likenesses but also the weight of their era. The inscription around them, “HENRI.IIII.R.CHRIST.MARIA.AVGVSTA," tells of royal authority blessed by divine approval. Observe Henry's armor. In its intricate design, we find echoes of Mars, the god of war, suggesting strength and protection. This motif transcends epochs, echoing in Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings alike. Consider how armor, a functional garment of war, evolves into a symbol, laden with aspirations of valor and invincibility. There is also the rose adorning Marie’s hair. This is no mere decoration; it's a subtle invocation of Venus, goddess of love, subtly imbuing Marie with attributes of beauty and fecundity. This image stirs deep within us, speaking to collective memories of power, love, and continuity. These symbols remind us how the past lives within the present.