Louis XIII, King of France (b. 1601, r. 1610–43)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bronze medal, struck in 1626 by Guillaume Dupré, captures the profile of Louis XIII, King of France1601–1643), his reign marked by absolutist ambitions and Cardinal Richelieu's influence Measuring just 2½ inches in diameter, it exemplifies the intimate artistry of French medals and plaquettes—small-scale sculptural portraits prized by collectors as portable symbols of power and prestige. Dupré, a leading Parisian medallist, crafted this piece amid the early Baroque era, drawing on classical Roman coin traditions for its refined profile view. The bronze medium allowed for intricate detailing, from the king's laurel-wreathed hair to his stern gaze, blending technical precision with regal iconography. Such works served as diplomatic gifts, propaganda tools, and Renaissance-inspired antiquities, reflecting France's cultural renaissance under the Bourbon monarchy. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection (gift of Ogden Mills, 1925), this medal invites us to ponder Louis XIII's turbulent rule—from Huguenot wars to colonial expansions—through the lens of enduring metallic artistry.

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...