Emperor Napoléon I (1769-1821) 1804

Editor: This is a bronze medal of Emperor Napoléon I by Bertrand Andrieu. It’s quite small, about 6.8 cm in diameter. The profile is striking, but how does this image of Napoleon tie into his broader cultural impact? Curator: Consider the eagle, a symbol of Roman emperors, resurrected in Napoleonic imagery. This coin, though small, echoes that ambition. What feelings does Napoleon’s profile evoke? Editor: A sense of power and authority, but also a little coldness. Does the material itself—bronze—contribute to this feeling? Curator: Bronze, often used for commemorative sculptures, lends a sense of timelessness and permanence. It connects Napoleon to classical ideals of leadership and empire. Editor: So the symbolism and material work together to reinforce a specific image of Napoleon. It's fascinating how much a small object can communicate. Curator: Indeed. Visual symbols are powerful carriers of cultural memory. Looking closely at these objects, we can learn about how our society chooses to be remembered.