Emperor Napoléon I (1769-1821) 1804

Editor: Here we have Bertrand Andrieu's medal portraying Emperor Napoléon. It's quite small, about 7cm in diameter, and made of metal. I'm struck by how this object attempts to immortalize power. What's your take on it? Curator: It's fascinating to consider how power is constructed and disseminated through these objects. Medals like this weren't just about commemorating an individual; they actively shaped public perception. Who was Napoleon for the working class? Editor: So it's more than just a portrait, it's a statement. Curator: Precisely. Think about the implications of mass-producing images of a leader. This asserts dominance but also hints at anxieties around legitimacy and control. Editor: I never thought about it that way, so much more than just an image!