Napoléon I at the Battle of Marengo after 1800

Editor: Here we have Bertrand Andrieu's medal, "Napoléon I at the Battle of Marengo." It's quite small. The profile of Napoleon seems to rise above a very active battle scene. What's your take on it? Curator: It's fascinating how this small object serves as propaganda, immortalizing Napoleon's power. Medals like this weren't just art; they were tools for shaping public perception and reinforcing a particular narrative. Editor: So, the medal is not just about the battle itself? Curator: Exactly. It's about constructing an image of leadership, heroism, and, ultimately, empire. The battle becomes a symbol, not just a historical event. What power dynamics do you see at play? Editor: That's so interesting. I will never look at coins the same way. Curator: I'm glad! It reveals how art can be embedded in social and political structures.