Association Francaise Pour L'Avancement des Sciences, 1890 1890

This medal, created in 1890 by Louis-Oscar Roty, is made of bronze, a material often used for commemorative objects. Bronze lends itself well to the detailed relief seen here, achieved through a process of striking or casting. The design features two allegorical figures, representing science and industry, set against a backdrop of a bustling industrial landscape. Note the inscription "Concordia et Labore," emphasizing the values of harmony and labor. The choice of bronze, a durable and relatively inexpensive material, suggests the medal was intended for wide distribution, celebrating the achievements of French science and industry. The making of this medal reflects the rise of industrial production. The precision and repeatability of the striking process allowed for mass production, democratizing access to art and reinforcing the values of progress and collaboration. By considering the medal's material and mode of production, we can see how it embodies the social and cultural aspirations of its time, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industrial design.