Obverse and Reverse of a Medal with Portraits of Henry III and Catherine de' Medici - Bernard Picart

A detailed etching by Bernard Picart depicting the obverse and reverse of a commemorative medal featuring King Henry III and Catherine de' Medici.

This print by Bernard Picart depicts the obverse and reverse sides of a commemorative medal featuring profiles of King Henry III of France and his mother, Catherine de' Medici. Picart, a French engraver who spent much of his career in the Netherlands, was known for his technical precision and his ability to document historical objects with accuracy. The work captures the formal, regal profiles typical of Renaissance-era coinage, rendered here with the refined line work characteristic of eighteenth-century printmaking.

The composition presents the two figures within circular frames, mimicking the physical constraints of a metal coin. Henry III is shown in profile, wearing a ruff and armour, while Catherine de' Medici is depicted in her characteristic widow's attire. The use of a single-colour ink tone provides a sense of material authenticity, suggesting the metallic quality of the original medal. Picart employs fine hatching to create volume and shadow, defining the facial features and the textures of the clothing without excessive ornamentation.

Historically, such prints were produced to accompany numismatic catalogues or historical texts, allowing scholars and collectors to examine rare medals that were otherwise inaccessible. Picart’s approach is objective and analytical, focusing on the clear representation of the subjects. The print serves as a record of the iconography associated with the Valois dynasty, reflecting the interest in historical portraiture that occupied many artists during the early Enlightenment. The initials B.P. are visible between the two circles, confirming the artist's hand in this meticulous study. This piece is a fine example of the intersection between historical documentation and the art of the print, offering a glimpse into the way European history was curated and disseminated through visual media during the eighteenth century.