Page 37 - The Lugdunum Auction 21

An award for the participation at the quell
of the Huguenot rebellion

This medal of King Louis XIII was cast in 1623
by Guillaume Dupré, “Premier sculpteur du Roi”
and commemorates the end of the first Hugue-
not rebellion that took place between 1620 and
1622 in southwest France.

It was probably awarded by the King himself to
an important supporter in recognition of a brave
and active participation at the quell of the rebel-
lion.

The high intrinsic value of this gold medal and
the fact that some traces of mounting can be seen
on the rim suggest that it must have been proudly
displayed by the recipient as it was a common use
at the time.
King Louis XIII, 1610-1643
What is very interesting is that this medal gives us to see a brilliant and impressive image of King Louis
XIII. It puts him in the light and reflects a very different image of the King, commonly described in history
books and literature as a shy, melancholic and sickly man. Here we can admire a young and proud victo-
rious military chief, with armour and command scarf. His majestic appearance is emphasised by the large
size of the medal and the generous use of gold.

Louis and the allegory of Justice

The reverse of this medal is dedicated to Justice, the allegorical figure is sitting on what seems to be a
very heavy and stable armchair symbolising constancy and stability. She holds a scale in her left hand, an
attribute suggesting fairness of judgment and the sword resting on the right arm, represents the sword of
Justice, a ceremonial sword symbolising the king’s supreme judicial power.

When we look at this figure, there are two symbolic messages that can be read:

The first message is the symbolic illustration of the balanced settlement of the Peace of Montpellier that
ended the first Huguenot rebellion in 1622. Confirming the tenets of the Edict of Nantes, also known as the
Edict of toleration, it took away some of the political and military rights of the Huguenots, but guaranteed
a free practice of the reformed faith.

The second symbolic message is an ode to the King and to its nickname. In addition to the elements alrea-
dy mentioned, we can also see a discreet symbol, located just above the figure of Justice. Inside a group of
stars, a scale represents the constellation of the Libra, the astrological sign of Louis XIII, one of the reasons
that lead to Louis’ nickname: Louis the Just.

If you want to learn more about this exceptional medal, do not hesitate to watch
our special presentation video on our website www.lugdunum-numismatik.com
(Highlights page) or by using this QR-Code