Medal of Napoleon III: Exposition Universelle of 1855 19th century

This 19th-century silver medal, created by Albert-Désiré Barre, depicts Napoleon III in profile. The medal commemorates the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, a world's fair organized by the French Empire under Napoleon III's reign. The medal's inscription reads "Napoleon III, Empereur" and is a testament to the French Emperor's dedication to the arts and sciences, which were celebrated at the Exposition. This piece is a striking example of medallic art, a genre that combines portraiture with historical narratives. It is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.