The Election of the Duke de Loubat, Member of the Institut de France 20th century

This bronze medal, made by Frédéric Charles Victor de Vernon, commemorates the election of the Duke de Loubat to the Institut de France. It’s fascinating to think about how the artist approached such a small, circular surface. There’s a real sense of process in the way the artist has worked into the bronze, building up textures and details with a kind of controlled chaos. The Duke's profile is so detailed, almost lifelike. You can see every wrinkle, every contour. Vernon really captured his likeness. Then, turn the medal over and you see the inscriptions and the palm frond. These are all so carefully rendered; they just feel so tactile! I love the way the light catches on these raised surfaces, creating shadows and highlights that bring the whole thing to life. It makes me think of Rodin, actually, especially his portrait busts. Both artists share a similar approach to capturing the human form with such sensitivity and depth. Ultimately, this medal is a testament to the enduring power of art as a means of communication and remembrance. It reminds us that even the smallest of objects can hold immense meaning and significance.