Summary

Portrait medal of Rene Descartes (1596-1650) by Andre Galle. One of the Galerie Metallique des Grand Hommes Francais series. Minted in Paris, 1819.

Obverse Description

Draped bust facing right; around, RENE DESCARTES.; below in small lettering the artist's name, GALLE F.

Reverse Description

Legend in nine lines: NE / A LA HAYE / EN TOURAINE / EN M.D.XCVI. / MORT / EN M.DC.L. / GALERIE METALLIQUE / DES GRAND HOMMES FRANCAIS. / 1819.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

French philosopher, mathematician, and writer. He spent most of his working life in the Republic of the United Netherlands

Galerie Metallique Des Grands Hommes Francais: a large series of portrait medals produced in France beginning in 1816, by leading medallists of the day. At least 119 people were honoured.

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