Alexandre Dumas the Younger (1824-1895) 1886

This bronze medal of Alexandre Dumas the Younger was created by Jean-Désiré Ringel d'Illzach, but the date of its making is unknown. The medal’s production involved casting, likely using the lost-wax method. Molten bronze would have been poured into a mold created from a wax model, capturing intricate details like Dumas's profile and the surrounding text. Once cooled, the mold would have been broken away, revealing the bronze relief. The texture and weight of the bronze give the medal a sense of permanence and value, reflecting Dumas's literary status. Ringel d'Illzach, a skilled medalist, has imbued the piece with cultural significance through his chosen material and refined technique. Medals like these were often commissioned to honor individuals, embodying both artistic skill and social recognition. The labor-intensive process highlights the value placed on commemorating figures like Dumas. By appreciating the material and making of this medal, we gain insight into the cultural values and artistic practices of the time, blurring the lines between craft, design, and fine art.