Louis XII and Anne of Brittany
1499
Object PlaceFrance
Medium/TechniqueMetal; cast bronze, with yellow-brown patina
DimensionsDiameter: 108 mm (4 1/4 in.)
Credit LineElizabeth Marie Paramino Fund in memory of John F. Paramino, Boston Sculptor
Accession number1986.517
On View
On viewClassificationsNumismatics
Collections
This image of King Louis XII (b. 1462, reigned 1498-1515) was commissioned by the city of Lyon to commemorate his visit in 1499 with his Queen, Anne of Brittany. This is one of the first French Renaissance medals, emulating Italian prototypes, which in turn look back to ancient Roman coins. The inscription likens Louis to Caesar, making explicit the connection to antiquity. The portrait is full of devices and decorations, including the field of French fleur-de-lys, the rampant lion of Lyon, and the pendant of the knightly Order of St. Michael around his neck.
InscriptionsObverse: Inscribed in band at edge "[lion passant of Lyon] +FELICE·LVDOVICO·REGNATE·DVODECIMO·CESARE·ALTERO·GAVDET·OMNUS·NACIO·". ["In the blessed reign of Louis XII, a second Caesar, the entire nation rejoices"].
Reverse: Inscribed at edge "[lion passant of Lyon] +LVGDVN·RE·PVBLICA·GAVDETE·BIS·ANNA·REGNANTE·BENIGNE·SIC·FVI·CONFL·ATA·1499·". ["The commune of Lyon rejoicing in the second reign of good Queen Anne, I was cast. 1499"].Provenance1986, Alain Moatti, Paris; 1986, sold by Alain Moatti to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 22, 1986)
