Lyon Medal, Anne of Brittany (reverse)

The two sides of this medal depict King Louis XII of France and his wife, Anne of Brittany (1477–1514). Twice crowned queen, Anne was at the heart of the battle of influences that would, after her death, lead to the union of the Duchy of Brittany and the Kingdom of France.

While the figure of Louis XII on the obverse stands against a field of fleurs-de-lis—the symbol of France—Anne’s on the reverse is distinguished by ermine tails—the symbol of her Duchy. On each pendant, the King and Queen are depicted in profile with a strict equality, presenting their crown as the symbol of royalty.