Siege of the Bastille after 1789

Curator: This medal, titled "Siege of the Bastille" by Bertrand Andrieu, presents a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Editor: It feels dense, chaotic, yet hopeful. The composition is very active, even within such a small space. Curator: Indeed. As a commemorative object, it served to propagate revolutionary ideals and legitimize the new order. The Bastille, a symbol of royal authority, is being stormed by an energized populace. Editor: And consider how this imagery circulates: a single object, easily reproduced, carrying potent revolutionary symbolism across social strata. It situates the viewer as a participant in this historical narrative. Curator: Absolutely. The medal embodies the transition of power, marking a shift in political and social consciousness, solidifying its place in the historical record. Editor: It’s striking how such a tiny artifact can hold so much weight – a miniature monument to radical change.