Franse rechtbank, penning met 'respect a la loi' 1791 - 1815

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to this medal by Jean Theodore Maurisset. It's entitled "French Court, Medal with 'respect a la loi'" and dates from between 1791 and 1815. Editor: It's rather severe, isn't it? Cold, metallic, and that stark inscription…almost intimidating. Curator: Indeed. The composition relies heavily on symmetry, and the simple text is framed by a laurel wreath. Note how the wreath nearly encompasses the perimeter and enhances the impact of the centered message. Editor: Thinking about its materiality, what kind of tools and labour would have gone into producing multiples of these? Was it for wide distribution, or was it for a specific clientele within the French judicial system? It has a weight that must feel very precise and important. Curator: A fascinating question, considering its symbolic weight and political climate at the time. The phrase "Respect the Law" implies the transition from the French Revolution toward a new, more orderly society. The choice of bronze adds to its solemnity, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Precisely! I'm just imagining the foundries, the mold-making, the repetitive action of each piece getting stamped, adding an individual labor imprint even to a reproduced item. Curator: It highlights how Neoclassicism aimed to evoke ideals of civic virtue. Look at the calculated design, reflecting rationality. Editor: Absolutely. I find myself drawn to this notion of a 'produced object' standing for law. So much gets caught in that relationship. Thanks for drawing out those features of making for me. Curator: A pleasure! And yes, considering its function within that fraught moment in history gives the piece much depth to unpack and reconsider.