Medal Commemorating the Treaty of Commerce between France and the United States

Art Historical Context

This bronze medal, created in 1822 by French artists Bertrand Andrieu and Raymond Gayrard, commemorates the Treaty of Commerce between France and the United States. Measuring just two inches in diameter, the piece captures a pivotal moment of renewed economic partnership following the Napoleonic Wars, when both nations sought to strengthen trade ties and mutual prosperity. Its presence in the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing highlights how such objects served as tangible symbols of international diplomacy in the early nineteenth century. The medal’s design, featuring profile portraits of key figures, reflects the neoclassical style popular at the time, drawing on ancient Roman coinage traditions to convey authority and permanence Crafted in durable bronze, it was an ideal medium for commemorative works meant to circulate or be preserved as keepsakes, blending artistry with historical record-keeping. Gifted to the museum in 1883 by collector William H. Huntington, the medal continues to offer visitors a window into the enduring friendship between the two countries.

About the Artist

Bertrand Andrieu|Raymond Gayrard · 1761–1822

French, Bordeaux 1761–1822 Paris