Louis XII of France at Genoa

CNG 100, Lot: 762. Estimate $1500. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Genova. Ludovico XII, king of France. Signore, 1507. AV Écu d’or au soleil (26mm, 3.40 g, 11h). Sun above crowned arms / Ornate cross. CNI III 18; Duplessy 750; Laufaurie –; Ciani 1042; Friedberg 405. Good VF. Lustrous. Very rare.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 2324.

Although Genoa was supposed to be an autonomous city, the inability of its doges to defend its sovereignty allowed the French monarchy, who saw such control as key to involvement in the affairs of Italy, to bring the city under their rule. Beginning in 1499, Louis XII seized control of Milan, ousting the ruling Sforzas. As a result, the French king also gained control of Genoa and established himself there as doge.

In 1508, under the leadership of Pope Julius II, the French and Genoese joined with the Holy Roman Empire and Spain in the League Cambrai against Venice. The League’s inability to follow up their successes, and the Pope’s growing distrust of the French, caused that alliance to soon fall apart. Beginning in 1510, the Holy League was formed, an alliance of the Pope, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and England against Louis XII. The stunning French victory under Gaston de Foix at Ravenna in 1512 was quickly overshadowed by the duke’s death during that battle. At the same time, the Swiss invasion of Milan compelled Louis, for the time, to withdraw completely from Italy and await a future opportunity to once again enter the fray.