1978.21.a
Siege of the Bastille
Artist
Bertrand Andrieu
(1761 - 1822)
Title
Siege of the Bastille
Creation Date
1789
Century
18th century
Dimensions
3 3/8 in. (8.57 cm.)
Object Type
medal
Creation Place
Europe, France
Medium and Support
lead-filled bronze cliché
Credit Line
Gift of David P. Becker, Class of 1970
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
1978.21.a
Andrieu depicted the events of July 14th, 1789, when French Revolutionaries attacked the Bastille Prison. This day is commonly accepted as the turning point in the French Revolution as it symbolizes the public outcry over royal authority and resistance to political abuse. In contrast to Andrieu’s highly individualistic Passage of the Great St. Bernard medal focusing on Bonaparte, here Andrieu valorizes the many armed citizens who risked their lives that day to overthrow tyranny. First advertised in January 1790, this medal had immediate critical and commercial success, becoming one of the most enduring medals of the French Revolution.
Additional Media
reverse