Louis XII, 1462-1515, King of France 1498 [obverse]
1498/1514
![Louis XII, 1462-1515, King of France 1498 [obverse] by French 15th or 16th Century](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/louis-xii-1462-1515-king-of-france-1498-obverse-nga-110715.webp)
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 5.35 cm (2 1/8 in.) gross weight: 17.61 gr (0.039 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Accession Number
1999.109.12.a
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze medal, struck between 1498 and 1514, portrays Louis XII (1462–1515), King of France from 1498 until his death. Measuring just 5.35 cm in diameter and weighing a mere 17.61 grams, its obverse features a detailed profile of the monarch, capturing his likeness during the height of his reign. Produced by an anonymous French artist of the late 15th early 16th century it exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity, where small-scale portrait medals served as personal tokens, diplomatic gifts, and commemorative objects. Louis XII, known as "Father of the Pe...