Jacques Boiceau, Seigneur de la Barauderie

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 17th-century bronze medal measuring 68.5 mm in diameter, portrays Jacques Boiceau, de la Barauderie in profile—a classic convention in European portrait medals that evoked ancient coins. Produced in France during the Baroque era, it belongs to the esteemed tradition of medals and plaquettes small-scale sculptures that commemorated nobles, scholars, and collectors The inclusion of butterflies in the likely serves as a personal emblem or rebus, possibly alluding to Boice's name or interests, adding a layer of symbolic intrigue to this intimate artwork. Artistically, the medal exe...