Napoléon I at the Battle of Marengo after 1800

Curator: Bertrand Andrieu's "Napoléon I at the Battle of Marengo," a silver medalion, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how much drama is packed into such a tiny, circular space. A miniature epic, almost! Curator: The medal’s materiality is key here. The silver likely speaks to notions of value, status, and permanence, reinforcing Napoleon’s power through material culture. Editor: I love that! It's like holding a little piece of history, but also a big statement about the impermanence of power, given the medal's wear and tear. Curator: The process of striking the medal also reflects the industrialization of art production and the role of state-sponsored art in shaping public opinion. Editor: Seeing it this way enriches the experience, thinking about how even small objects carry so much cultural weight. Curator: Indeed, reflecting on these intricate details enhances our understanding. Editor: Agreed; its incredible how the artwork is a silent yet mighty messenger.