1714 France Louis XIV AE Damascened Medal on the Completion of the High Altar at Notre-Dame

1714 France Louis XIV AE Damascened Medal on the Completion of the High Altar at Notre-Dame, by J. Roettiers and Dullin. Plain edge.
LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS, laureate armored and draped older bust right, R below || VOTUM A PATRE NUNCUPATUM SOLVIT, view of the high altar of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, ARAM POSUIT MDCCXIIII in exergue.
70mm, 156.68g. Divo 128var.
In uncirculated condition, with gilding intact. A choice example with lovely chocolate brown surfaces. 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.

In 1638, King Louis XIII dedicated the Kingdom of France to the Virgin Mary, as thanks for divine protection and as a display of Catholic devotion. As part of these ceremonies, the king also pledged to commission a new high altar for Notre-Dame Cathedral, though he died in 1643 before the project could be completed. His son, Louis XIV, sought to fulfill his father’s promise and commissioned the renovation in 1699. A new marble altar and monumental sculptures were built, with the centerpiece being Nicolas Coustou’s Descent from the Cross, flanked by two statues of King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV. The altar was completed in 1714, signifying continuity between father and son.