Henri IV, King of France
Medal
early 17th century (made)
early 17th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This medal shows Henri IV, King of France as Mars and is made by N. Guinier, a medallist working 1601-1614.
Cast in bronze or lead, the Renaissance portrait medal commemorated individuals or events. They were used as gifts and mementoes and were inspired by Roman coins, with their portraits of rulers and allegorical representations on the reverse, excavated all over Italy and eagerly collected by humanists. Many specialist sculptors were attracted to the art form. It was recognised that there was a ready market for medals among the growing class of collectors, usually members of the intelligensia or the gentry, who were attracted to small-scale works of art. The medal format proved ideal for this type of personal and intimate object.
Cast in bronze or lead, the Renaissance portrait medal commemorated individuals or events. They were used as gifts and mementoes and were inspired by Roman coins, with their portraits of rulers and allegorical representations on the reverse, excavated all over Italy and eagerly collected by humanists. Many specialist sculptors were attracted to the art form. It was recognised that there was a ready market for medals among the growing class of collectors, usually members of the intelligensia or the gentry, who were attracted to small-scale works of art. The medal format proved ideal for this type of personal and intimate object.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Henri IV, King of France (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Bronze |
Brief description | Medal, bronze, Henri IV, King of France as Mars, by N. Guinier, France, early 17th century |
Physical description | Medal depicts on the obverse the bust to right of Henri, in antique armour, wearing a helmet with sphinx for crest and plumed, and a scarf embroidered with fleur-de-lis. Inscription. On the reverse Henri as Mars, naked but for a helmet, armed with a sword and shield, striking down a centaur who holds up a crown. Inscription. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Object history | From the Salting bequest. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This medal shows Henri IV, King of France as Mars and is made by N. Guinier, a medallist working 1601-1614. Cast in bronze or lead, the Renaissance portrait medal commemorated individuals or events. They were used as gifts and mementoes and were inspired by Roman coins, with their portraits of rulers and allegorical representations on the reverse, excavated all over Italy and eagerly collected by humanists. Many specialist sculptors were attracted to the art form. It was recognised that there was a ready market for medals among the growing class of collectors, usually members of the intelligensia or the gentry, who were attracted to small-scale works of art. The medal format proved ideal for this type of personal and intimate object. |
Bibliographic reference | 'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 51 |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.349-1910 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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