Summary

Medal l'Arc de Triomphe, Triumphal Arch, Issued by France, 1806
Artist: Bertrand Andrieu and Nicholas Guy Antoine Brenet
Minted by Paris Mint

Obverse Description

Laureate head right; around NAPOLEON EMP ET ROI.; below, ANDRIEU F. / DENON DIRT.

Reverse Description

View of Triumphal Arch; in exergue, AUX ARMEES / MDCCCVI.; below near rim in small lettering, BRENET F. FONTAINE ARC. DENON D.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

"This medal commemorates the erection of the triumphal arch in the place de Carousel, at Paris: it is modelled after the antique arch of Septimius Severus. It consists of three arches, crossed by a transverse arch ... the whole is formed of hard Italian sand-stone of a very fine strain. Eight columns of the red marble of Languedoc embellish the two principal fronts, and support a projecting entablature; the frieze is composed of Italian griote, upon which are placed as many statues as represent the costume of the infantry and cavalry, which compose the French army; these columns are of the Corinthian order, and have their bases and capitals of bronze; the concaves over the lateral portals are decorated with thunderbolts, branches of laurel and palms, and also with various bas reliefs representing the principal events of the reign of Napoleon, all of excellent workmanship ; the four celebrated horses of Lysippus, brought from Venice, are attached to the car, which surmounts the whole." Laskey p.122

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