Napoleon I, keizer der Fransen en de Arc de Triomphe te Parijs 1836 - 1862

This is a silver medal, created by Jean Pierre Montagny, depicting Napoleon I and the Arc de Triomphe. The medal employs a circular composition, divided into two distinct faces, to communicate power and architectural triumph. The first face features a profile of Napoleon, crowned with laurel, surrounded by text. The precision and detail in Montagny’s engraving lend a sense of classical authority and idealized power. On the reverse, the Arc de Triomphe is rendered with careful attention to its architectural details; the structure’s solidity and grandeur are palpable despite the medal’s small scale. The medal operates as a sign, with Napoleon's image and the Arc symbolizing imperial ambition and military victory. Its creation reflects a desire to construct a lasting visual record. The circular form suggests completeness and continuity, reinforcing the idea of enduring legacy. As you consider this object, think about how its form and iconography work together to create a specific narrative.