Premium MDC Monnaies de Collection
1261
-
FRANCE / CAPETIANS - FRANCE / ROYAL
See original version (French)
1261
-
FRANCE / CAPETIANS - FRANCE / ROYAL
See original version (French)
Estimate €6,000
Voluntary lot
Description
FRANCE / CAPETIANS - FRANCE / ROYAL
Henry IV (1589–1610). Silver medal, Victory over Savoy and the conquest of Bresse, by Philippe Danfrie, 1602, Paris.
Obverse: * ALCIDES * HIC * NOVVS * ORBI * [Behold the new descendant of Alcibiades in the world]. Heroic bust of Henry IV facing right, as Hercules clad in the skin of the Nemean Lion; (date) on the edge of the arm and signature P. DAF.
Rev. (floret) OPPORTVNIVS (floret) [More opportunely]. Henry IV, depicted as Hercules, attacking Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy, depicted as a centaur, with his club and snatching his crown from him.
TNG.II/2 - Maz.282 - Jones 193; Silver – 48.53 g – 50 mm – 12 h
NGC AU DETAILS MOUNTED (6774591-002).
With original bail (57 mm). High relief, with slight wear on the raised areas, and a pleasing antique grey patina. Remarkable both for its composition and quality, for this original cast! Superb.
Commemorating Henry IV’s victories over the Duke of Savoy, sealed by the Treaty of Lyon in 1601, which secured the acquisition of Bresse, Bugey, Valromey and the Pays de Gex. In 1588, the Duke of Savoy had himself depicted as a centaur trampling on a royal crown with the inscription ‘OPPORTUNE’ on a ducat, following his victory over the Marquisate of Saluces. Based on an idea by Minister Sully, this medal was created, depicting Charles Emmanuel I as a defeated centaur on the reverse, and King Henry IV, as Hercules, reclaiming the crown. This remarkable design was initially attributed to Alexandre Olivier (Jones 113). The gold and silver examples were struck for the members of the King’s Council.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like