Pete Smith submitted these new thoughts on the previously-discussed mystery medallion. Thanks!
-Editor
An Art History Discussion
The July 4, 2021, issue of The E-Sylum had a mystery medal with a rider on a horse. Chip
Howell saw a similarity to the painting of Washington Crossing the Alps. I thought the
differences were significant.
Napoleon Crossing the Alps is an iconic painting by Jacques-Louis David executed in 1801.
It is also known as Napoleon at the Saint-Bernard Pass. There are actually five versions of the
painting that hang in different museums.
On Saturday, November 13, 2021, I participated in a Zoom meeting for Medal Collectors of
America. Stephen Scher showed a medal by Bertrand Andrieu of Passage of the Saint-Bernard
Pass, executed in 1800, before the David painting. This also has similarities to the mystery
medal.
I took a closer look at an enlargement of the mystery medal. What I initially thought was an
unusual cap, I now believe was intended to represent Napoleon's hat. The medal is not based on
the David painting but rather on various similar images of Napoleon from that era.
With the crude execution and lack of any inscription, I still believe it is a decorative piece with
little value.
To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 4, 2021 : Identification of Colonial Medal?
(https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n27a12.html)
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 11, 2021 : Mystery Medallion: Napoleon Legion of Honour Eagle?
(https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n28a08.html)
Wayne Homren, Editor
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