PEDRO E INES Bronze Medal
Here is another recent addition to my world medal collection. It is absolutely huge. I have been trying to show that historical medals can be purchased on a budget.
Pedro (Peter) and Ines are historical figures from Portugal. In 2018 there was a Portuguese film released by the same name as the medal. This medal is by Cabral Antunes who is considered one of the best and most prolific modern Portuguese medallists. His work is typically historic in nature and I have found that most of them are appealing.
BRONZE MEDAL BY CABRAL ANTUNES 1916-1986Diameter: 100mmWeight: 417.6g
There is a tale of forbidden love between Infante Peter and Inês de Castro, lady-in-waiting to his wife Constance. Although he was married, the Infante would have secret romantic meetings with Inês in the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas. When Constance died in 1345, Peter and Inês lived as a married couple, a decision which angered King Afonso IV, his father, who was strongly opposed the relationship. The court and the people also disapproved of it.
Peter and Inês lived at Santa Clara Palace, in Coimbra, with their three children for many years. However, King Afonso IV, who was constantly under pressure because of the growing disapproval of the union within the court, decided to order the murder of Inês de Castro in January 1355. Deranged by pain, Peter led an uprising against the King and would never forgive his father for murdering his lover. When he finally took the crown in 1357, Peter ordered the arrest and execution of Inês’ murderers by ripping their hearts out. This action earned him the title of “the Cruel”.
Later, after swearing that he had secretly married Inês de Castro, King Peter demanded that she be recognized as Queen of Portugal. In April 1360, he ordered the body of Inês to be moved from Coimbra to the Royal Monastery of Alcobaça, where two magnificent tombs were built so that he could rest next to his eternal lover forever. Thus, the most overwhelming Portuguese love story would be immortalized in stone.
Sources:centerofportugal.comportuguese-american-journal.com
Comments
TheNumisMaster
Level 5
Nice man! Beautiful catch! keep that up.
slybluenote
Level 5
Reminds me of Romeo and Juliet ! Great post WCN. I really like the medal and the story. That medal is quite large for sure! Thanks again for posting!
Longstrider
Level 6
This is crazy. I know this story. I have no idea how or why but I do. It's a great story and a fantastic medal. huge!! I like that size comparison photo. Thanks. Well done.
I. R. Bama
Level 5
What an interesting love story, probably lost for the ages if it were not for this medal. Thanks for sharing!
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
Nothing like a story of ripping some hearts out to make medal truly historic. Another great piece with a very interesting story. It is quite a beefer too, I can't imagine holding it.
Mokie
Level 6
A beautifully detailed medal and a fascinating story. I can't imagine a better addition to a collection. Thanks for sharing.
Golfer
Level 5
Quite the love story and revenge. Medal is fantastic and very bid.
coinsbygary
Level 5
This story kind of reminds me of the song, "The Things We Do For Love." (Sorry, couldn't help that.) What an interesting but albeit morbid story. This medal is well executed. The obverse warmly portrays the love and tenderness between Peter and Ines. Is the reverse that of Peter without his love? The reverse legend seems to suggest it. Who are the other persons in the king's court?
Mike
Level 7
Great medal. I have bought medals from Portugal. Some are beautiful. This one is a real eye catcher. Your collection is growing with some well known sculptures. This one I really like. The research nd history is exactly the message the medal is telling. Thanks so much for sharing.
Stumpy
Level 5
That thing is huge! Nicely done, a love story within a Numismatic story, gotta love it. Thanks for sharing!