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Preview image of work. lead-filled bronze cliché,  Siege of the Bastille 8881

1978.21.a

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Siege of the Bastille

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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

Additional Image reverse
reverse