Austria. Archduke Leopold Wilhelm (born Wiener Neustadt 1614, died Vienna 1662). Gold Medal, nd (Ca. 1647-1650). 42.5mm. 40.69 gm. Unsigned. Draped bust of Leopold Wilhelm right wearing ornate square collar and Order; LEOPOLDVS GVILIELMVS D.G. ARCHIDVX AUSTRIAE, rev. Cross, branches crossed over intersection of its arms, All-Seeing Eye on right arm, banner at top with the Archduke s motto TIMORE DOMINI, Lion and lamb below. The youngest son of HRE Ferdinand II and Maria Anna of Bavaria, Leopold Wilhelm served as military commander during the Thirty Years War and the Franco-Spanish War, and as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands (1647-1656). He was a great patron of the arts. Forrer notes a very similar medal signed "Hier. Dv Qvesnoy F." as the only known medal of Belgian sculptor and medallist Jérome Duquesnoy (1602-1654). This medal may also be by him. Extremely rare. Minor contact marks, good lustre. Extremely Fine.
