Northern Europe, England, Birmingham, ca. end of 19th century. How exciting! A lustrous silver repousse portrait medal of the bust of King Charles IX of France (1550 to 1574), modelled after a piece made by Germain Pillon in 1573 (British Museum, M.8720) and fixed with a modern circular frame carved from wood. Dressed luxuriously with a lavish lace collar, striped buttoned vest, vegetal decorated overcoat, feathered beret, and 2 beaded necklaces, the French monarch faces right, staring at the viewer through slender squinted eyes above high cheek bones, a prominent nasal bridge, a pointed nose, and closed lips flanked by a long moustache and short pointed beard. Below a dotted border encircling the lovely portrait is engraved lettering reading, "CAROLUS. IX. FRAN REX. CHRISTIANISS. 1573", which translates to "Charles IX, most Christian King of the French". Silver quality: 95% silver, 4.3% copper; Weight with wooden frame: 178.6; Size: 6.25" in diameter (15.9 cm); 7" in diameter (17.8 cm) on included custom stand.

A petite hallmark over his proper right shoulder featuring sideways anchor and lion passant indicates that this beautiful piece was manufactured in Birmingham, England and met the standards for fine silver (over 92.5%) in the late 19th-century United Kingdom.

Born to Catherine de' Medici (the last of the Medici family in Florence) and King Henry II of France, Charles IX ruled from 1560 to 1574 and oversaw a turbulent country in the throws of the French Reformation. Having an Italian Catholic mother, Charles sided with French Catholics and is perhaps most known for allowing the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1562, during which all French Huguenot (Protestant) leaders were invited to Paris for the royal wedding and were then killed. Possibly inspiration for the Red Wedding of the popular Game of Thrones novels/series, this event marked the beginning to the French Religious Wars, which were concluded the following year by the signing of the Peace of Amboise.

Modelled after a lead medal made by Germain Pillon in 1573 at the British Museum (accession number M.8720). A bronze version of this piece (also a 19th century copy) was sold by Christie's London as lot 145 during The Collection of a Distinguished Swiss Gentleman auction on 8 July 2015 for 875 GBP (equivalent to $1,343.39 at that time).

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#157999

Modern frame with a few stable fissures. Light fading to detail. Fixed with a metal wire on back for suspension. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina.