Napoléon's Coronation at Paris 1804

Curator: This bronze medal, titled "Napoléon's Coronation at Paris," was designed by Romain Vincent Jeuffroy and is held at the Harvard Art Museums. The diameter is about 4 centimeters. Editor: The patinated bronze gives it a warm tone, but the composition on the reverse side feels almost theatrical, like a stage play. Curator: Indeed, the imagery is quite deliberate. The laurel wreath, a classic symbol of victory and honor, crowns Napoleon's profile. The reverse scene depicts figures raising a draped statue, possibly alluding to his ascension. Editor: The craftsmanship involved in die-striking such detail into metal is impressive. It speaks to the labor and skill invested in creating a powerful message about the emperor's reign. Curator: The medal serves as a symbol, commemorating a specific moment in history but also propagating an idealized image of power and authority. Editor: Looking at it this way, the medal becomes more than just art, it becomes a piece of carefully constructed propaganda. Curator: Precisely, and understanding the cultural symbols is essential to decoding its layers of meaning. Editor: It certainly makes you think about the materials, the message, and the context within which it was made.