The Establishment of the French Railway System: The Law of 11 June 1842 [reverse]

1842

Antoine Bovy

Associated Names
Antoine Bovy

Medalist, Swiss, 1795 - 1877

The sculpture on the circular bronze medal features a seated female figure in classical attire at the center, holding a tablet with "26 mai 1834 ROUEN" inscribed on it. The female figure is flanked by two winged males holding different objects: one appears to hold a torch, while the other holds a laurel wreath. The background includes rural elements and outlines of buildings and roads beneath the figures. The entire sculpture is in bronze with a metallic brown color. Engraved text around the border and at the base of the medal acknowledges the era of Louis Philippe. The piece combines classical and industrial imagery, reflecting themes of progress and enlightenment.

Media Options

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G1


Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular medallion with a raised profile relief of a man identified as Louis Philippe I, King of the French. The man's profile includes curly hair, sideburns, and a laurel wreath encircling his head. The medallion appears to be made of polished bronze or copper, giving it a rich, reddish-brown color with a glossy finish. Surrounding the profile are the words "LOUIS PHILIPPE I ROI DES FRANÇAIS" embossed around the upper perimeter. The presentation suggests a formal portrait typical of coins or commemorative medallions honoring significant figures or events.

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

Antoine Bovy

1842


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(David and Constance Yates, New York); purchased 1 June 2004 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2004

  • Luciano, Eleonora. "Nineteenth-Century French Medals." Bulletin / National Gallery of Art, no. 32 (Fall 2004): 23.

Inscriptions

around circumference: DANT IGNOTAS MARTI NOVASQUE MERCURIO ALAS.; on the tablet: CHEMIN / DE / FERS; on the pedestal: LOI DU XI JUIN / M.D.CCC.XLII. / .LOUIS PHILIPPE. / REGNANT; in the exergue: MR. TESTE MINISTRE DES TRAVAUX PUBLIQUES. / MR. LEGRAND SOUS-SECRÉTAIRE D'ÉTAT. / A. BOVY FECIT.

Wikidata ID

Q63861616

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