Émile Zola 1898

Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier crafted this bronze plaquette, titled "Émile Zola", in France, sometime between 1856 and 1909. More than just a portrait, this small disk speaks volumes about the social and political climate of the time. Zola, a prominent French novelist, was a key figure in the fight for social justice. Most notably, he defended Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French army who had been falsely accused of treason. Charpentier's choice to create this plaquette immortalizes Zola as a national hero. The inscription "Hommage a Émile Zola" underscores the intent to celebrate Zola's public role. Note how the medal format itself lends authority to the figure depicted. Understanding this artwork requires delving into the history of the Third Republic, the Dreyfus Affair, and the role of intellectuals in shaping public opinion. By studying these contexts, we can fully grasp the power of this plaquette as a statement of social and political values.