Vrede van Amiens, ter ere van Napoleon Bonaparte, premier consul van Frankrijk 1802

Jean-Pierre Droz created this bronze medal to mark the Peace of Amiens during Napoleon Bonaparte’s time as First Consul of France. On one side, we see a profile portrait of Bonaparte surrounded by the inscription “Bonaparte Premier Consul de la Republique Francaise.” The other side features a standing female figure, likely an allegorical representation of peace or France itself. Note the reversed orientation of the two sides, a feature that would require specialized minting technology. Made in France, this medal reflects the political climate of the early 19th century, when France, under Bonaparte, sought to establish itself as a dominant European power. The imagery serves a propagandistic purpose, associating Bonaparte with republican ideals but also alluding to the imperial ambitions that would soon fully materialize. To understand this piece more fully, we might consult contemporary political pamphlets, diplomatic records, and accounts of public ceremonies. Through careful analysis, we can come to understand the complex interplay of art, politics, and society in Napoleonic France.