Summary

Portrait medal of Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu, Duke of Fronsac (1585-1642) by Jaques Gatteaux. One of the Galerie Metallique des Grand Hommes Francais series. Minted in Paris, 1821.

Obverse Description

Tonsured and draped bust facing left; around, ARM. J. DU PLESSIS RICHELIEU.; below in small lettering the artist's name, E. GATTEAUX.

Reverse Description

Legend in eight lines: NE / A PARIS / EN M.D.LXXXV. / MORT / EN M.DC.XLII. / GALERIE METALLIQUE / DES GRAND HOMMES FRANCAIS. / 1821.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

French Duke, Cardinal, Statesman and patron of the arts

Galerie Metallique Des Grands Hommes Francais: a large series of portrait medals produced in France beginning in 1816, by leading medallists of the day. At least 119 people were honoured.

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