Made for the Administration de la Monnaie et Paris: entitled La Peinture 1885 - 1899

This bronze plaquette, entitled "La Peinture," was created by Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier for the Administration de la Monnaie et Paris. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the sculptural relief, drawing our attention to the interplay of light and shadow across its surface. The subject, a young painter, is depicted in profile, holding brushes and a palette, tools of their trade. Charpentier's choice of bronze, a medium often associated with classical sculpture, lends the image a sense of permanence. The octagonal shape of the plaquette, deviates from the traditional rectangular format, adding a subtle layer of complexity to its formal structure. Charpentier was a pivotal member of "Les Médailleurs", a group of artists who wanted to reinvigorate the art of the medal. The attention to detail in the rendering of the figure's features and the textures of the materials speaks to a desire to elevate the medium to a higher status. It operates within a network of signs and symbols linked to artistic representation, but ultimately exceeds any singular meaning, inviting ongoing exploration and dialogue.