Louis XIV: The Battle of Saint Gotthard, 1664

Pierre Aury

probably early 18th century · Bronze, partially gilded · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In 1663, King Louis XIV (b. 1638; r. 1643-1715) established the Académie Royale des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres to organize the creation of commemorative medals that celebrated the glorious events of his reign. By 1723, eight years after the king’s death, the so-called medallic history of Louis XIV (Histoire métallique du Roy) comprised nine hundred medals including variants. This medal commemorates the Battle of Saint Gotthard of 1664 in which France’s decisive role on behalf of the German speaking Austrian empire assured the defeat of the Ottoman army and prevented the Turkish invasion of Europe. Louis XIV is portrayed in armor. On the medal’s reverse, a personification of Victory tramples the scattered military arms and banners of the Turkish forces that are embellished with the crescent moon, symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Medals from the Histoire métallique du Roy were struck in gold, silver, and bronze and often were given as signs of royal favor. To increase their beauty and preciousness, some rare bronze examples, such as this one, were embellished with gilding.

Artist

Pierre Aury

Date

probably early 18th century

Medium

Bronze, partially gilded

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019