Summary

Medal depicting Josephine, Empress of France, during part of the reign of Napoleon I, circa 1804.
Artist: F. Andrieu.
Mint: not recorded.
Other Details: Produced by electroforming.

Joséphine Bonaparte ( 23 June 1763 - 29 May 1814) was Empress of the French as the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I, between 1804 and 1810. Born in Martinique, she is widely known as Joséphine de Beauharnais. As she could not produce an heir, she and Napoleon were divorced. Through her children from her previous marriage, she is the ancestor of the heads of many European royal houses. She was a patron of the arts and is known for her interest in the horticulture of roses.

Physical Description

Round medal. Bust of Josephine right, diademed and robed, wearing earring, necklace and her hair bound with pearls. The reverse is blank and scratched.

Obverse Description

Bust of Josephine facing right, diademed and robed, wearing ear ring, necklace and her hair bound with pearls; around, JOSEPHINE IMP ET REINE; on shoulder, ANDRIEU.F.

Reverse Description

Plain

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Was probably originally part of a framed set with domed glass cover (now missing).

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