Count Maurice, Maréchal de Saxe (1696–1750) 1747

This medallion, crafted by Jean Dassier, immortalizes Count Maurice, Maréchal de Saxe. Note the profile portrait, a classical motif echoing ancient Roman coins, designed to convey power and authority. The armor, meticulously detailed, is not merely protective gear; it's a visual declaration of military prowess, resonating with the heroic ideal found in antiquity. Consider how the depiction of armor has evolved: from the functional necessity in medieval battle scenes to a symbol of honor and might. The portrait's sharp profile evokes a feeling of detached power. This depiction is reminiscent of Greek and Roman depictions of great leaders, but here it is not a god-like figure, it is a mere mortal whose armor and stern gaze gives the illusion of greatness. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations of leadership, valor, and the enduring human quest for recognition and immortality. The image of the military leader has traveled through time, being endlessly reinvented.