Summary

Medal Capitulation of Mantua, Issued by Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I), France, 1797
Artist: E. Gatteaux
Minted by Paris Mint (struck in 1807)

Obverse Description

Head of the ancient Latin poet Virgil facing right; around, VIRGILIUS MARO.; on neck truncation, E. GATTEAUX F.; below, DENON DT

Reverse Description

Mural Crown above a swan; around, CAPITULATION DE MANTOUE XXX JANVIER MDCCXCVII.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Virgil is featured on this medal as he was born near Mantua. The Mural Crown on the reverse refers to the city, and the swan is thought to refer again to Virgil. The fall of Mantua after a siege that lasted from 3 June 1796 to 30 Jan 1797, ended the French conquest of northern Italy. Bonaparte reportedly took many art treasures kept in the churches, libraries and museums of Mantua as 'compensation' for the cost of the war.

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