Rulers

The names and likenesses of rulers and other important political figures were often printed on art, coins, and everyday objects. During a ruler’s lifetime, they could commission commemorative objects of themselves, like official portraits or buildings in their name. An example of this is the copper tetarteon made under Andronikos. However, the more common objects in this exhibit are commemorative objects that were done after the ruler had come and gone---pieces commissioned by a later ruler wishing to evoke comparisons between themselves and this past ruler, to highlight a worthy predecessor, or to recall a former ruler’s memory. This category of commemorative objects were often made in countries not native to the person being commemorated. Examples of this include the tapestry made for King Louis and the French-made portrait depicting Andronikos’ execution.