To commemorate the gift of his chateau de Chantilly to the nation, by the Duc d'Aumale on his banishment in 1886 1886

This bronze medal was created by Jules-Clément Chaplain to mark the Duc d'Aumale's gift of his chateau de Chantilly to the nation upon his banishment in 1886. It prompts us to consider the complex relationship between art, power, and national identity in late 19th century France. The medal presents two distinct sides. One side portrays a profile of Henri d'Orléans, Duc d'Aumale, emphasizing his nobility through his dress and bearing. The other side depicts the Chateau de Chantilly, framed by an inscription that celebrates the donation. This act can be seen as an attempt to preserve his legacy and exert influence even in exile, using culture and philanthropy to negotiate a fraught political landscape. To fully understand this medal, we can explore archival records, political histories, and studies of French aristocracy. The medal serves as a reminder that the meaning of art is shaped by social and institutional contexts.