About This Object
An extremely fine bronzed metal medallion, depicting a relief portrait of the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte. Workshop of Bertrand Andrieu (1761-1822).
France, 1810.
Why we like it
A superbly crisp cast of this handsome portrait of one of the most iconic personalities of the 19th century. Modelled as a Roman emperor, with his head dressed in laurel wreath, redolent of victory.
Made around 1810 to commemorate the emperor's marriage to Marie-Louise.
Signed 'ANDRIEU F.'
Bertrand Andrieu (1761-1822) was a French engraver of medals from Bordeaux. He restored the popularity of the art form, which had declined after the time of Louis XIV. During the last twenty years of his life the French government commissioned him to undertake several works, and many of his medals figure in the Medallic History of Napoleon.
Diameter excluding frame: 5.5 in / 14 cm
