Napoleon I Bonaparte stelt familieleden en vertrouwelingen aan als vorsten in de gebieden die onder Franse controle staan

About this artwork

Zilveren penning. Voorzijde: borststuk man met lauwerkrans binnen omschrift. Keerzijde: tafel, waarop scepters en kronen liggen, staande voor keizerlijke troon; daarboven adelaar met roedebundel in zijn klauwen; op grond liggen twee kronen en dogemuts; afsnede: opschrift

Art Historical Context

In 1806, French engraver Bertrand Andrieu this silver medal to celebrate one of Napoleon Bonaparte's boldest power plays. Measuring just 4.1 cm in diameter and 40.26 grams, the obverse features a detailed bust of a laurel-wreathed man—likely Napoleon—framed by an inscription,oking ancient Roman emperors. The reverse depicts a symbolic table laden with scepters crowns before an imperial throne, crowned an eagle clutching a fasces (a bundle of rods symbolizing authority). At its base lie two crowns and a doge's cap, nodding to conquered territories. This artwork captures the height of Napoleon's empire-building. That year, after triumphs like Austerlitz, he appointed family and allies as rulers over French-controlled lands: brothers Joseph in Naples, Louis in Holland, and Jérôme in Westphalia, plus others like his stepson Eugène in Italy. Struck medals like this were propaganda tools, blending neoclassical motifs with imperial ambition to glorify Napoleon's dynastic vision. Andrieu, a master medallist, employed precise striking techniques on silver for sharp relief and enduring shine, making these pocket-sized treasures both art and political statement. A fascinating glimpse into how Napoleon's cult of personality was minted into history!

About the Artist

Bertrand Andrieu · 1761–1822

French, Bordeaux 1761–1822 Paris