France - 1810 Napoleon I Marriage Miniature Medal
Offered is a scarce 15mm bronze miniature medal designed by Bertrand Andrieu / Julien-Marie Jouannin, commemorating the 1810 marriage of Emperor Napoleon I to Marie Louise of Austria, Julius 2265; Zeitz 113 (full-size). The medal depicts the conjoined busts of Napoleon and Marie Louise on the obverse, as well as Napoleon and Marie Louisa, full lengths, dressed in Roman costume, the former with the imperial paludamentum clasped over his right shoulder, couple's right hands joined, Napoleon embracing Louise on her shoulder, inscription: "NAPOLEON EMP ET ROI M LOUISE D'AUTRICHE. / 1810" on the reverse.
The wedding itself started on March 31st 1810, when the imperial couple arrived in Saint-Cloud, and Marie-Louise was introduced to the Court. The next day, a civil wedding was celebrated at the Palace, according to the planning of M. de Segur, Grand Master of Ceremonies, in the presence of the Court and the Imperial Family. A supper and show followed: Iphigénie en Aulide by Racine with Talma in the role of Achille. On April 2, 1810, the religious wedding took place in the Salon Carré of the Louvre, transformed into a chapel by the architect Fontaine, according to Isabey's guidance. In the evening, a large wedding banquet was organized in the auditorium of the Tuileries Palace (transformed into a ballroom). Finally, on April 3, the day after the wedding, a reception was held in the throne room. The Emperor and the Empress, surrounded by princes, princesses and the court, received the homage and congratulations of the State Corps.
This module / design is also known in 22kt gold and .830 AR, and though similar types exist, very few with arabic numerals in exergue seem to come up for offer. Although this example is marked ‘BRONZE’ on the edge, indicating that it is a later strike (likely 1880s), identical examples exist with plain edges. It has been noted (Baldwins Argentum Auction, Lot #599) that small medallions were offered to the public, but only makes mention of silver examples.
All in all, a stunning and most interesting piece for the Napoleonic and Paris Mint collector alike!
Offered is a scarce 15mm bronze miniature medal designed by Bertrand Andrieu / Julien-Marie Jouannin, commemorating the 1810 marriage of Emperor Napoleon I to Marie Louise of Austria, Julius 2265; Zeitz 113 (full-size). The medal depicts the conjoined busts of Napoleon and Marie Louise on the obverse, as well as Napoleon and Marie Louisa, full lengths, dressed in Roman costume, the former with the imperial paludamentum clasped over his right shoulder, couple's right hands joined, Napoleon embracing Louise on her shoulder, inscription: "NAPOLEON EMP ET ROI M LOUISE D'AUTRICHE. / 1810" on the reverse.
The wedding itself started on March 31st 1810, when the imperial couple arrived in Saint-Cloud, and Marie-Louise was introduced to the Court. The next day, a civil wedding was celebrated at the Palace, according to the planning of M. de Segur, Grand Master of Ceremonies, in the presence of the Court and the Imperial Family. A supper and show followed: Iphigénie en Aulide by Racine with Talma in the role of Achille. On April 2, 1810, the religious wedding took place in the Salon Carré of the Louvre, transformed into a chapel by the architect Fontaine, according to Isabey's guidance. In the evening, a large wedding banquet was organized in the auditorium of the Tuileries Palace (transformed into a ballroom). Finally, on April 3, the day after the wedding, a reception was held in the throne room. The Emperor and the Empress, surrounded by princes, princesses and the court, received the homage and congratulations of the State Corps.
This module / design is also known in 22kt gold and .830 AR, and though similar types exist, very few with arabic numerals in exergue seem to come up for offer. Although this example is marked ‘BRONZE’ on the edge, indicating that it is a later strike (likely 1880s), identical examples exist with plain edges. It has been noted (Baldwins Argentum Auction, Lot #599) that small medallions were offered to the public, but only makes mention of silver examples.
All in all, a stunning and most interesting piece for the Napoleonic and Paris Mint collector alike!
Offered is a scarce 15mm bronze miniature medal designed by Bertrand Andrieu / Julien-Marie Jouannin, commemorating the 1810 marriage of Emperor Napoleon I to Marie Louise of Austria, Julius 2265; Zeitz 113 (full-size). The medal depicts the conjoined busts of Napoleon and Marie Louise on the obverse, as well as Napoleon and Marie Louisa, full lengths, dressed in Roman costume, the former with the imperial paludamentum clasped over his right shoulder, couple's right hands joined, Napoleon embracing Louise on her shoulder, inscription: "NAPOLEON EMP ET ROI M LOUISE D'AUTRICHE. / 1810" on the reverse.
The wedding itself started on March 31st 1810, when the imperial couple arrived in Saint-Cloud, and Marie-Louise was introduced to the Court. The next day, a civil wedding was celebrated at the Palace, according to the planning of M. de Segur, Grand Master of Ceremonies, in the presence of the Court and the Imperial Family. A supper and show followed: Iphigénie en Aulide by Racine with Talma in the role of Achille. On April 2, 1810, the religious wedding took place in the Salon Carré of the Louvre, transformed into a chapel by the architect Fontaine, according to Isabey's guidance. In the evening, a large wedding banquet was organized in the auditorium of the Tuileries Palace (transformed into a ballroom). Finally, on April 3, the day after the wedding, a reception was held in the throne room. The Emperor and the Empress, surrounded by princes, princesses and the court, received the homage and congratulations of the State Corps.
This module / design is also known in 22kt gold and .830 AR, and though similar types exist, very few with arabic numerals in exergue seem to come up for offer. Although this example is marked ‘BRONZE’ on the edge, indicating that it is a later strike (likely 1880s), identical examples exist with plain edges. It has been noted (Baldwins Argentum Auction, Lot #599) that small medallions were offered to the public, but only makes mention of silver examples.
All in all, a stunning and most interesting piece for the Napoleonic and Paris Mint collector alike!