Baptism of the Prince Impérial 1856

This bronze medal, created by Armand-Auguste Caqué in 1856, depicts the baptism of the Prince Impérial, the son of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The medal, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases the imperial family in a commemorative setting. The scene features the Emperor holding the infant prince while the Empress stands beside them, highlighting the event's significance for the French Empire. The inscription "BAPTEME DU PRINCE IMPERIAL M.D.CCCLVI" confirms the subject and the date of the ceremony, emphasizing its historical importance. This small-scale work, crafted in the style of a commemorative medal, offers a glimpse into the French Empire's visual culture of the 19th century.