Wereldtentoonstelling in het Palais de l'Industrie te Parijs, ter ere van Napoleon III, keizer der Fransen, penning geslagen tijdens de tentoonstelling met een muntpers van Maison Cail & Cie. 1855

This is a medal by Armand-Auguste Caqué, celebrating the World's Fair in Paris during the reign of Napoleon III. It was struck on-site with a coin press from Maison Cail & Cie. The medal is a fascinating object that speaks to the intersection of power, industry, and national identity in 19th-century France. On one side, we see the profile of Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, evoking the grandeur of his imperial rule. On the other, the Palais de l'Industrie, the great exhibition hall, symbolizes France's industrial prowess. World's Fairs were pivotal in shaping cultural perceptions. They served as stages for nations to display their achievements and ideals. By producing these medals on-site, a direct connection between the monarchy, industrial advancement, and the visitor's personal experience was made, turning spectators into participants in the narrative of French progress. It's a powerful memento, linking personal memory to national ambition.