1638 France Louis XIII AE Damascened Medal on the Consecration to the Virgin Mary

1638 France Louis XIII AE Damascened Medal on the Consecration to the Virgin Mary, by T. Bernard. Plain edge.
LUDOVICUS XIII FR ET NAV REX, draped bust right wearing the skin of the Nemean lion, facing right || SE ET REGNUM DEO SUB B MARIÆ TUTELA CONSECRAVIT, the King kneeling before an altar surmounted by a Pietà, presenting his crown to the Virgin Mary. T. Bernard F. in exergue underneath the altar, ARAM VOVIT MDCXXXVIII below.
69mm, 110.08g. Divo-55 (bronze).
In uncirculated condition, with gilding intact. Vertical diecrack along the middle of the reverse. An extremely rare type that has never been offered publicly as a damascened example.

Expertly damascened, a famed technique popular in the Baroque era, particularly in France. The raised surfaces have been carefully gilded in gold, creating a striking and beautiful bicolor appearance. These medals are extremely rare and were used as presentation pieces in the French Court.

The Consecration of France to the Virgin Mary, otherwise known as the Vow of Louis XIII, was a religious and political declaration that dedicated the Kingdom of France to the Virgin Mary. Spurred by decades of war, internal conflict, and the lack of an heir, Louis XIII officially made his vow in February, 1638. Comprised of three major portions, the vow officially consecrated France, created a new annual Feast Day on August 15th, and ordered the creation of a new high altar at the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The future king Louis XIV was born 7 months later, which was immediately seen as a providential event. Overall, the vow reinforced the sacred aspect of French royalty and strengthened the connection between the Bourbon dynasty and Catholicism.