FRANCE. <br>Bronze Cast Medal, 1630. <br>By Jean Warin, Paris, celebrating Armand-Jean du Plessis, Cardinal de Richelieu, 1585-1642.<br>This medal may have been struck to glorify a specific victory or Frances strength in general. The same reverse design exists with the portrait of King Louis XIII (1610-1643) on the obverse. Richelieu is essentially equated with the king through this medal, at least in terms of propaganda and public image. This demonstrates the Cardinals extraordinary position of power.<br>Obv.: ARMANDVS IOANNES CARDINALIS DE RICHELIEV; bust of Cardinal Richelieu facing right, wearing a zucchetto and mozetta.<br>Rev.: TANDEM VOCTA SEQVOR [Finally conquered, I follow]; Gallia in a four-horse chariot holding a palm and a sword, the chariot driven by Renommée; Gallia is being crowned by Victory floating rightward with a laurel wreath; behind the chariot stands Fortune with billowing cloth shown from behind; WARIN and date in exergue.<br><i>Good very fine; gauge and scratches in obverse field; punch marks at top may indicate an old mount; reverse glorious; rarely in this condition.</i><br><br>Reference: J.cf 182; Kress 575a; Jones II 183; Molinari 250; Rizzini II 97, 8<br>Diameter: 80 mm.<br>Weight: 156.15 g.<br>Composition: Bronze.
