To commemorate the gift of his chateau de Chantilly to the nation, by the Duc d'Aumale on his banishment in 1886

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bronze medal, struck in 1886 by the renowned French engraver Julesément Chaplain, commemorates a poignant moment in French history: the Duc d'Aumale's generous gift of his beloved Château de Chantilly to French nation amid his banishment. Henri d'Orléans, the and son of King Louis-Philippe, transformed the historic estate into a treasure trove of art and architecture. Facing political exile during the turbulent Third Republic, he ensured its legacy as a public cultural institution, now home to the Musée Condé and its world-class collections. Chaplain, a master of the medal genre in late 19th-century France, crafted this double-sided plaquette with remarkable precision. Measuring just 4½ inches in diameter, it features intricate profiles—likely of the duke on one side and the chateau's grand silhouette on the other—showcasing his expertise in low-relief engraving and casting techniques. These small-scale sculptures were prized as portable art, blending portraiture with architecture to evoke patriotism and nobility. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1893 by Samuel P. Avery, this piece highlights the era's fascination with commemorative medallic art, bridging personal sacrifice and national heritage. A testament to resilience, it invites visitors to reflect on how one man's loss preserved a cultural gem for generations.

About the Artist

Jules-Clément Chaplain · 1839–1909

Jules-Clément Chaplain (1839–1909) was a French engraver and medallist who became the most celebrated practitioner of the art medal in late nineteenth-century France. Born in Mortagne-au-Perche in Normandy, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Jouffroy and Oudiné and won the Prix de Rome for engraving in 1863, which enabled him to study in Italy for several years. Chaplain's work...