Inauguration of the July Column [reverse]

1839

Augustin-Alexandre Dumont (designer) and François-Augustin Caunois (medalist)

Associated Names
Augustin-Alexandre Dumont

Designer, French, 1801 - 1884

François-Augustin Caunois

Medalist, French, 1787 - 1859

The sculpture depicts a winged male figure with both arms extended upward and slightly bent at the elbows. He holds an object in each hand, and his body is depicted with a sense of motion, suggesting flight. The figure is nude and muscular, with curly hair. The sculpture is part of a bronze medallion, and around it, there are engravings of Latin text. The design and metallic sheen of the material make the sculpture stand out, creating a visual impact.

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a relief portrait on a medallion of a man identified as Louis Philippe I, King of the French. The man is depicted in profile with a laurel wreath in his hair, styled in wavy curls typical of 19th-century portraits. Made of bronze, the medallion has a polished surface. The relief captures fine details such as the man's hair, the laurel wreath, and facial features, creating a sense of depth against a flat background. Text around the edges complements the portrait. The craftsmanship suggests it is a commemorative and decorative piece.

Louis Philippe, 1773-1850, King of the French 1830-1848 [obverse]

François-Augustin Caunois

1839

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

William B. Jordan [d. 2018], Dallas; bequest 2019 to NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

around top circumference: MENSIS IVLIVS BIS MEMORANDVS; lower left circumference: EX LEG. / IX MARTII / MDCCCXXXIII ERECT.; lower left, final two letters in superscript above period: A.DUMONT STA.RE; lower right circumference: DED.ANN. / MDCCCXL / DIE XXIX MENS.IVLII; lower right, final letter in superscript above period: CAUNOIS G.E

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