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Frederick I, King of Sweden

Palace of Nobility (The Riddarhuset)
Bronze, struck, 75.2 mm Ø
By Johann Carl Hedlinger, 1731.
Obverse:  Bust of Frederick I facing right, wearing armor, with Medusa head on chest and crowns on shoulder covering. Around, FRIDERICVS · D · G · REX · SVECIAE · (Frederick, by the Grace of God, King of Sweden). Below the epaulet, HEDLINGER · F · 1731 · (Hedlinger Made It, 1731).
Reverse:  View of the Palace of Nobility. Included are the planned, but never built, wings and terrace. In front of the terrace, various people walking, people mounted on horses, carriages, a sedan chair, and a dog are seen within the square. Behind the building is a river with ships, and clouds above. Around, CONSILIIS · ATQVE · ARMIS · (By the Counsel and Arms). In exergue, ORDO · EQVESTER · / REGNI · SVECIÆ (The Knightly Order of the Kingdom of Sweden).

Born in 1676, Frederick I of Sweden reigned between 1720 and 1751. During his reign, Sweden improved economically and enjoyed a cultural revival inspired by Louis XIV's France. However, rendered mostly powerless by the Swedish constitution, Frederick would spend his time primarily in the pursuit of pleasures.

This medal commemorates the building of the Riddarhuset (Palace of Nobility) in Stockholm, Sweden. Constructed between 1641 and 1674, the building was designed by Simon de la Vallée, his son Jean, Heinrich Wilhelm, and Joost Vingboons. The reverse shows the building with the projected wings, terrace, and stairway down to the square; however, only the main building was ever built. The reverse design is taken from an engraving by Jean Le Pautre after drawings by Erik Dahlberg. The reverse inscription is taken partially from the inscription along the entablature of the building.

References:

Pollard 2007 (NGA), no. 764

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