Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1878 19th century

This bronze medal commemorating the Exposition Universelle of 1878 in Paris, was crafted by Alphée Dubois. Observe the figure of Marianne, an allegorical representation of the French Republic, adorned with symbols deeply rooted in Western culture. The wreath of wheat and oak leaves are ancient emblems of prosperity, civic virtue, and strength, recalling similar depictions in Roman coinage. This echoes images of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, whose iconography promised abundance and well-being, and served as a powerful symbol during the Pax Romana. Such symbols are never static; they migrate, adapt, and resurface through the collective memory. The face of Marianne embodies France, and evokes a connection to classical ideals of governance and civilization, a psychological bridge connecting the present to a powerful, idealized past. These symbols, far from being mere decoration, resonate with deep-seated cultural aspirations and the ever-evolving story of national identity.