Terugkeer van Napoleon Bonaparte uit zijn verbanning op Elba en vlucht van Lodewijk XVIII uit Frankrijk

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

Behold this exquisite bronze medal, *Terugkeer van Napoleon Bonaparte uit zijn verbanning op El en vlucht van Lode XVIII uit Frankrijk* (Return of Napoleon Bonaparte from Exile on Elba and Flight of Louis XVIII from France), in 1815 by French medallist Romain Vincent Jeuffroy Crafted during the dramatic Hundred Days period, it captures Napoleon's audacious escape from Elba in February 1815, his triumphant march to Paris, and the hasty exile of the Bourbon king Louis XVIII. This pivotal event reignited Bonapartist fervor across Europe, culminating in Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo just months later. Jeuffroy, a skilled practitioner of the neoclassical medal tradition, employed the striking technique—hammering a die into softened metal—to achieve finely detailed reliefs on both sides. Measuring just 5 cm in diameter and weighing 66.33 grams, its compact form belies the monumental history it enshrines, making it a portable emblem of political upheaval. Such medals were prized as propaganda tools and collector's items, blending artistry with current events. A generous gift from J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece invites us to ponder the fragility of power and the enduring allure of Napoleonic legend. Perfect for history enthusiasts, it reminds us how tiny artworks can echo the thunder of empires.