François I, 1494-1547, King of France 1515 [obverse]
1537
![François I, 1494-1547, King of France 1515 [obverse] by Ludwig Neufahrer](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/franois-i-1494-1547-king-of-france-1515-obverse-nga-45269.webp)
Medium
silver
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.33 cm (1 11/16 in.) gross weight: 34.32 gr (0.076 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1131.a
Art Historical Context
This silver medal, struck in 1537 by Neufahrer, presents the obverse portrait of François I, King of France from 1515 to 1547. Just 4.33 centimeters and weighing 34. grams, the compact work captures monarch’s likeness in fine, a format popular for royal commemoration during the Renaissance. Its classification as sculpture reflects the era’s view of medals as three-dimensional portraits rather than mere currency. François I was a leading patron of the arts who brought Italian Renaissance ideas to France, supporting artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. Created midway through his reign, the medal ...