Henri II, 1519-1559, King of France 1547 [obverse]
16th century
![Henri II, 1519-1559, King of France 1547 [obverse] by French 16th Century](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/henri-ii-1519-1559-king-of-france-1547-obverse-nga-45284.webp)
Medium
bronze//Late cast
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.91 cm (1 15/16 in.) gross weight: 37.78 gr (0.083 lb.) axis: 1:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1140.a
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze medal, titled *Henri II, 1519-1559, King of France 1547* (obverse), celebrates one of France's most dynamic Renaissance monarchs. Crafted by an anonymous French artist in the 16th and later cast, it captures Henri II at the height of his reign, a period marked by military campaigns, cultural patronage, and architectural splendor like the Château de Fontainebleau. With a modest diameter of just 4.91 cm and weighing 37.78 grams, this intimate sculpture exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with portrait medals—small portable emblems of power and prestige. Medals like thi...