18th century bronze portrait medallion by the French goldsmith Francois Joseph Marteau

Paris: F J Marteau, 1730. Only impression.. as issued.. Very good.. medal.

A cast circular ( 59 mm dia.) bronze portrait medal by the French goldsmith F J Marteau (1720 - 1759). The portrait profile of the subject, M de Polignac (1661 - 1742), is recto with Marteau's name at the lower extremity of the image. Verso is a well modelled image of King David seated with a harp and singing as an angel presents an open book. This all below the motto: Docebo Iniquos Vias Tuas ( I will teach the iniquitous your ways ). Marteau had engraved a series of medals (truncated) for Louis XIV and XV. He also commemorated the French Arctic expedition in 1744. He bore the title, 'marchand orfevre et graveur de medailles du Roi'. Various gold designs, boxes and etui are in the Walters, Rijksmuseum etc. See Sargentson, Merchants and Luxury Markets. (Inventory #: 15018)