Victoire
Medal
1918 (made)
1918 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This bronze medal was made by Pierre Alexandre Morlon in France, 1918. This medal is notable for the absence of narrative detail frequently found on French medals. Morlon chose a very close viewpoint, concentrating attention on the essential elements of the image. In contrast to the rousing, shouting embodiment of France on Morlon's call to arms, the personification of France Victorious is calm and silent. The soldier's helmet acknowledges the nation's debt to the poilu, and the presence of laurel leaves, securely held in both hands, honours them.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Victoire |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze |
| Brief description | 'Victoire', struck bronze, by Pierre-Alexandre Morlon, French, 20th century, 1918. |
| Physical description | Obv., profile female head, facing left, wearing the steel helmet of a French poilu holding branches of laurel leaves in both hands. The helmet partly obscures the word VICTOIRE (victory). Rev., a blank circular space surrounded by laurel leaves and flowers. The edge has the incuse cornucopia of Paris Mint mark and CUIVRE(Copper) but usually an alloy. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This bronze medal was made by Pierre Alexandre Morlon in France, 1918. This medal is notable for the absence of narrative detail frequently found on French medals. Morlon chose a very close viewpoint, concentrating attention on the essential elements of the image. In contrast to the rousing, shouting embodiment of France on Morlon's call to arms, the personification of France Victorious is calm and silent. The soldier's helmet acknowledges the nation's debt to the poilu, and the presence of laurel leaves, securely held in both hands, honours them. |
| Bibliographic reference | Cullen, Lucy, Fisher, Wendy and Jopek, Norbert, 'One by One': European Commemorative Medals for the Great War 1914-1918, London : Victoria & Albert Museum, 1998
32 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.102-1920 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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