Medal Louis XII, King of France (r. 1498–15155), and Anne of Brittany (1476–1514)

Unknown

ca. 1499 · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

Royal visits became the occasion for lavish civic festivities, and medals were produced to commemorate these events. A gold version of this double-sided medal was presented to Anne of Brittany when she arrived with Louis XII in Lyons in March 1500. The rule of the French king is glorified by the inscription: "In the blessed reign of Louis XII, a second Caesar, the entire Nation rejoices." The couple is portrayed in profile against fields sown with fleur-de-lis, emblem of the French monarchy, and ermine tails, emblem of Brittany, while the lion at the bottom refers to the city of Lyons.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1499

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of George and Florence Blumenthal, 1935