Louis XIII, King of France (b. 1601, r. 1610–43)
1623
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Gwynne M. Andrews, 1931
Accession Number
31.33.20
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze medal, struck in 1623 by Guillaumeré, France's premier medallist and engraver to the Paris Mint, honors Louis XIII, King of France (1601–1643, r. 1610–1643). Measuring just 2⅜ inches (6 cm) in diameter, it exemplifies the intimate artistry of 17th-century plaquettes—small, collectible sculptures prized by nobility for their portability and prestige. The obverse likely features a detailed profile of the young monarch, capturing his regal bearing during a pivotal era of absolutist rule. Dupré's mastery shines in the medal's fine chasing and striking techniques, which yield...
About the Artist
Guillaume Dupré · 1579–1640
**Guillaume Dupré (1579–1640)** Guillaume Dupré, born in Sissonne near Laon, emerged as one of France's premier sculptors and medallists during the transition from Renaissance to Baroque art. He studied under the renowned sculptor Barthélemy Prieur, marrying Prieur's daughter Madeleine in 1600 and later fathering Abraham Dupré, who followed in his footsteps as a medallist. His early talent caught...