Made for the Administration de la Monnaie et Paris: entitled La Peinture

Art Historical Context

Discover the exquisite bronze medal *La Peinture*, crafted by French sculptor and medallist Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charier in the late 19th century Commissioned by the Administration de la Monnaie de Paris—the prestigious Paris Mint—this small, struck bronze plaquette measures just over 2 inches across its unique oblong octagonal form. Double-sided and featuring detailed male profiles, it exemplifies the refined artistry of French medal-making during a golden age of small-scale sculpture. Charpentier, a master of Art Nouveau influences, brought his expertise in symbolic portraiture to this piece, likely personifying the art of painting through classical profiles that evoke Renaissance ideals. Struck in bronze, the medal's intricate reliefs highlight the technical precision of mint production, where high-pressure dies captured fine details impossible in casting. Such plaquettes were prized collectibles, bridging sculpture and decorative arts. Gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1903 by renowned medallist Victor D. Brenner, *La Peinture* reflects France's cultural celebration of the arts amid the Belle Époque. Visitors, admire how this tiny treasure packs monumental skill—perfect for contemplating the enduring allure of artistic legacy.

About the Artist

Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier · 1856–1909

Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier (1856–1909) was a French sculptor, medallist, and decorative artist who became an important figure in the Art Nouveau movement. Born in Paris, he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and early in his career established a reputation as a skilled sculptor and medallist, winning the Prix de Rome in engraving in 1881. Charpentier became a leading practitioner of the a...