Summary

Medal Depart de Paris et Entree a Vienne 'Napoleon Departs Paris and Enters Vienna', Issued by Napoleon Bonaparte (Emperor Napoleon I), France, 1809
Artist: Bertrand Andrieu
Minted by Paris Mint

Obverse Description

Gate of Saint Martin at Paris; above, PORTE ST. MARTIN; at sides near rim in small lettering, ANDRIEU F. DENON DIR.; in exergue, L'EMPEREUR PART DE PARIS / LE XIII AVRIL / MDCCCIX.

Reverse Description

Gate of Carinthia at Vienna; above PORTE DE CARINTHIE. above the central, the Austrian arms dividing the inscription L. D. G. R. IS. A. ANNO 1673 G. H. B. R. A. A. ; in exergue, L'EMPEREUR ENTRE A VIENNE / LE XIII MAI MDCCCIX. below, near rim, in small lettering, ANDRIEU F. DENON DIR.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Gate of Saint Martin at Paris was erected in 1764, as a Triumphal Arch. This gate was the grand entrance into Paris from all parts of Flanders.
"The prediction of Napoleon, on the commencement of the second Austrian campaign, was fully verified after the disastrous defeat of the Austrians at Abensberg and Eckmuhl. In his proclamation, dated at Hatisbon, April 24th, 1809, he there stated, that before two months should elapse, he would be with his army at Vienna; subsequent events proved the prediction to be correct. On the 10th of May, his advanced guard appeared before Vienna, and on the 13th, after a feeble resistance, the Austrian capital agreed to a capitulation" Laskey p. 162

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