Napoleon Bonaparte, premier consul van Frankrijk en de Venus de' Medici

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

This striking medal, created by French medallist Romain Vincent Jeuffroy between 1805 and 1815, pairs a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul with an image of the celebrated Venus de’ Medici. Measuring just over four centimetres across and weighing roughly 31 grams, the work exemplifies the refined art of struck metal medals, a medium prized in Napoleonic France for its durability and ability to circulate widely as portable propaganda and art. Jeuffroy, active during the Consulate and Empire, was renowned for elegant neoclassical designs that linked contemporary leaders to ancient ideals. The pairing of Napoleon with the famous Hellenistic statue—then regarded as the pinnacle of feminine beauty—subtly promoted the regime’s claim to cultural legitimacy and continuity with classical antiquity. Such medals were often distributed to officers, diplomats, and collectors, reinforcing political messages through refined craftsmanship rather than overt force. Donated to the museum by J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece offers today’s visitors a tangible glimpse into how Napoleon’s government harnessed traditional artistic forms to shape public perception across Europe.