Louis XIV, 1638-1715, King of France 1643 [obverse]

Art Historical Context

This striking lead medal, crafted by French medallist Michel Molart in1684, features the obverse portrait of Louis XIV, the Sun King1638–1715), who ascended the throne in 1643 at just four years old. Measuring 8.54 cm in diameter and weighing a substantial 191 grams, its impressive scale and heft underscore its status as a sculptural object rather than a mere coin, ideal for display or gifting among the elite. Molart, a skilled engraver active in Louis XIV's court, captured the monarch during the height of his absolutist reign, a period marked by grand propaganda efforts to glorify the king through art. Lead, an unusual yet practical medium for such medals, allowed for detailed casting and multiple proofs before striking in precious metals, highlighting the technical precision of 17th-century medallic art. This piece exemplifies the era's fusion of portraiture and power symbolism, where every ridge and contour reinforced royal divinity. A generous gift to the National Gallery of Art from Lisa and Leonard Baskin, this medal invites visitors to ponder how small-scale sculpture immortalized one of history's most iconic rulers, blending artistry with political theater.