Louis XIII, King of France (b. 1601, r. 1610–43) 1623

Editor: This bronze medal from 1623, created by Guillaume Dupré, depicts Louis XIII, King of France. I’m struck by the intricate detailing, especially the ruff collar. What strikes you most about it? Curator: As a materialist, I am interested in the implications of bronze itself. Why bronze? Consider its associations with power, permanence, and value in the early 17th century. The process of casting itself elevates this image from simple portraiture to a statement of royal authority manufactured and circulated. Editor: So, the material wasn’t just about aesthetics? Curator: Exactly. Bronze signified a level of craftsmanship and access to resources that aligns with royal status. This isn't simply an image of Louis XIII; it's a material assertion of his power. Who had access to bronze? How would it have been made? Where would it have been circulated, and by whom? All this inflects how we view this work. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. I was focused on the King, but it's really about how this image was created, who it was for, and how it circulated. Curator: And beyond circulation, the material ensures a certain longevity. How does that compare to other ways a King can show his face and authority to the public? Editor: I see. So, analyzing the medium provides deeper insights into the cultural and social context of the artwork itself. Thanks. I’ll keep the material and the manufacturing in mind when I see sculptures moving forward.