Summary

Medal Capitulation of Mantua, Issued by Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I), France, 1797
Artist: Lavy
Minted by Paris Mint (?)

Obverse Description

The personification of Mantuawearing a mural crown standing facing left presents the city key to a Roman soldier wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding a shield and spear; in the background, an aqueduct leading to the city walls; in exergue, REDDITION DE MANTOUE; the artist's name, LAVY, at right of exergue line

Reverse Description

At top, a closed wreath; below wreath A L'ARMEE D'ITALIE / VICTORIEUSE; below , a thunderboltemiting lightnuing; below, LOI / DU 24 . PLUVIOSE / AN 5ME. R.

Edge Description

Plain (no edge inscription 'BONEPARTE GENERAL EN CHIEF' )

Significance

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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