French Gold Commemorative Medal honoring Ernest Meissonier by Paul Devigne
Religious Medal/Commemorative Art Medal · Yellow Gold (Classic warm tone with rich copper-silver balance typical of French assay standards).
Purity: Likely 18K (750) or 22K (916) solid gold; 75%-91.6% pure gold content consistent with French high-art medals of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Religious Medal/Commemorative Art Medal
Purity
Likely 18K (750) or 22K (916) solid gold; 75%-91.6% pure gold content consistent with French high-art medals of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Classic warm tone with rich copper-silver balance typical of French assay standards).
Weight
Estimated 80-120 grams (roughly 2.5 to 3.8 troy ounces) based on typical diameter and significant thickness of art medals.
Description
An exquisite example of French medallic art, this heavy gold medallion features a striking high-relief portrait of the painter Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. The obverse showcases the artist's iconic long beard and intense gaze, captured with psychological depth by sculptor Paul Devigne. The textured field contrasts beautifully with the sharp, raised lettering of the name and dates, embodying the prestige of the French Academy during the late 19th century.
Key Features
High-relief 'Bearded Portrait' texture, distinctive '1815-1891' date engraving, and the signature of Paul Devigne, a leading figure in Belgian and French sculpture.
Color & Finish
Rich buttery yellow with a matte/satin field and high-relief burnished details on the portrait; subtle aged patina in recessed areas of the beard.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Signature 'DEVIGNE' at 5 o'clock; likely edge-marked with a cornucopia (Monnaie de Paris) and gold content stamp (e.g., 'OR' or '750') not visible in the obverse photo.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of approximately 50mm - 60mm; thickness of 3mm - 4mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; solid metal construction featuring high-relief chasing and sculptural engraving.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; smooth, plain rim designed for display or cabinet storage.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the piece is a standalone commemorative medallion with a smooth edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck with high-tonnage precision; features exceptional 'depth of field' in the hair and beard, demonstrating masterful die-sinking and hand-finishing techniques.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the Devigne signature, the specific font of the lettering, and the high-quality surface tension of the strike. The color is consistent with 19th-century French gold alloys.
Origin & Maker
France; designed by renowned sculptor Paul Devigne (1843–1901), likely struck by the Monnaie de Paris.
Era & Period
Belle Époque / Late 19th Century French Academic Art; honors Meissonier (1815-1891).
Age Estimate
Circa 1891-1900; produced shortly after the artist's death to commemorate his life and work.
Cultural Significance
Represents the pinnacle of the 'Medal Movement' in France, where coins and medals were elevated to high art forms to celebrate national intellectual and artistic heroes.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (Numismatic Grade AU/UNC); minor surface hairlines and tiny rim nicks consistent with handling, no significant abrasions to the face.
Value Estimate
Significant premium over melt value; while the gold content represents several thousand dollars, its value as an art medal by a known sculptor adds a 30-50% collector premium at specialty auctions.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free archival capsule or a silk-lined presentation box; avoid polishing to preserve the original surface matte finish; handle only by the edges.
Similar Items
Bronze or silver-gilt versions of the same Devigne medal; commemorative medals of Delacroix or Ingres by contemporary engravers like Roty or Chaplain.
Interesting Facts
Ernest Meissonier was one of the most famous and wealthy French painters of his time, known for his hyper-realistic military scenes. His paintings were so valued that he once traded a single small canvas for a large mansion.