Medal for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the École française d'Athènes [obverse] 1898

This silver medal, made by Louis-Oscar Roty, presents a classical scene in high relief. Notice how the composition centers on a seated female figure, likely an allegorical representation of France, holding a small statue aloft. The backdrop is divided into two distinct zones: to the left, we see the ruins of ancient Greece, symbolized by fragmented columns, while to the right, a modern cityscape emerges. This juxtaposition suggests a bridge between the classical past and the present. The inscription at the top, "Pour la Science Pour la Patrie," meaning "For Science, For the Fatherland," adds another layer of meaning, connecting scholarly pursuits with national pride. The texture of the medal gives it a tactile quality; you can almost feel the weight and density of the silver. The scale of the medal is intimate, drawing you into the scene. This interplay between classical and modern elements challenges conventional understandings of historical progression, inviting us to question the relationship between knowledge, nationhood, and cultural heritage.