De koloniën van Frankrijk (1931) 1930

This bronze medal, "The Colonies of France" by A. Pommier, struck in 1931, presents two distinct images, each with its own set of forms and implications. The eye is immediately drawn to the contrast in imagery and symbolism. On one side, we observe an elephant, rendered in a naturalistic style. The textures of its skin and the subtle ripples of the water at its feet are meticulously detailed. This depiction leans on the romantic imagery of exotic lands, evoking a sense of raw, untamed nature. The reverse side features a seated, seminude woman. Her pose and the surrounding vegetation suggest an Arcadian vision of harmony and fertility. Viewed through the lens of post-structuralism, the medal destabilizes established meanings. The juxtaposition of the elephant and the woman challenges fixed notions of both nature and civilization. The medal becomes a site of ongoing interpretation, prompting us to reflect on how these symbols function within the broader discourse of colonialism and representation.