In Memory of the Visit of the Emperor and Empress of the French to the City of London, April 19, 1855

Art Historical Context

This bronze medal, struck in 1855 by British medallist Benjamin Wyon, commemorates the state visit of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie of France to London on April 19. The event marked a significant moment of Anglo-French diplomacy during the Crimean War, symbolizing the strengthening alliance between the two nations against Russia. As a work in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, the piece reflects the City of London’s tradition of honoring distinguished guests through lasting tokens of appreciation. Wyon, a member of a prominent family of engravers, employed the struck-medal technique to create finely detailed portraits within a compact three-inch diameter. This method, involving hardened steel dies and high-pressure striking, allowed for crisp relief and durability, making such medals ideal vehicles for official remembrance. The composition features portraits of men and women, capturing the imperial couple alongside likely British counterparts. Today, the medal serves as a tangible reminder of mid-nineteenth-century international relations and the role of decorative arts in diplomacy. Its gift to the museum by the Corporation of the City of London in 1908 underscores its enduring historical value.

About the Artist

Benjamin Wyon · 1802–1858

British, London 1802–1858 London