2-725-144 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Cameo of King Charles VIII of France (1470-1498), c. 1494. This jade-green agate cameo represents King Charles VIII in bust profile wearing the royal crown and the collar of the Order of St. Michael. The cameo was probably inspired by a gold medal presented to Charles by the City of Lyon during a visit in 1494 and was probably made to commemorate the event. It was perhaps a memento belonging to one of the town's nobles.