Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy (1587–1637)

Art Historical Context

This finely crafted bronze medal portrays Victor Amadeus I, of Savoy (15871637), a key figure in the turbulent politics of 17th-century Europe. by the acclaimed French medallist Abraham Dupré, known for his intricate portrait work during the Baroque era, the piece exemplifies the Renaissance revival of classical medal-making traditions. With a diameter of 4 inches (102 mm), a substantial example of the genre, blending sculpture and decorative arts to honor nobility. Victor Amadeus I ruled Savoy from 1630 until his death, navigating alliances amid the Thirty Years' War and expanding his duchy’s influence. Medals like this served as portable propaganda, celebrating rulers through idealized profiles—here likely featuring the duke alongside female figures on obverse and reverse, evoking Roman coinage. Dupré’s mastery shines in the detailed bronze casting, capturing subtle textures of drapery and physiognomy with lifelike precision. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department (gift of Ogden Mills, 1925), this medal highlights the cultural exchange between French artistry and Savoyard power, offering visitors a tangible glimpse into absolutist portraiture and the era’s diplomatic artistry.