Emperor Napoléon I (1769-1821) 1805

Editor: This is a bronze medal of Emperor Napoléon I by Bertrand Andrieu. It's a small object, but the laurel wreath and profile portrait give it a really powerful, classical feel. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's fascinating how these medals attempt to control Napoleon's image. The laurel, of course, evokes Roman emperors and their claims to legitimacy. Consider how symbols like this wreath shift over time, simultaneously referencing power and, eventually, hubris. Editor: Hubris? Curator: Yes, the wreath's symbolism transformed as Napoleon's reign ended. What was once aspirational became a marker of downfall. The image, once potent propaganda, became a historical artifact, laden with multiple, contradictory meanings. Editor: That's a great point. So, symbols aren't static; their meaning evolves with history. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Examining those shifts reveals much about cultural memory. A fascinating case study.