Napoleonic Gilt-Bronze Portrait Medallion Napoleon, by Carlier Fecit, 1804-1806

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Napoleonic Gilt-Bronze Portrait Medallion of Napoleon, Signed Carlier Fecit, France, circa 1804–1806

An Empire-period gilt-bronze portrait medallion of Napoleon Bonaparte … Read more Napoleonic Gilt-Bronze Portrait Medallion of Napoleon, Signed Carlier Fecit, France, circa 1804–1806

An Empire-period gilt-bronze portrait medallion of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821), the obverse finely modeled with his left-facing laureate profile and inscribed “NAPOLEON IMPERATOR” along the rim. The portrait bears the engraved signature “Carlier fecit” beneath the truncation of the neck, denoting the hand of Jean-Pierre Carlier, one of the distinguished engravers of the Napoleonic era.

The “NAPOLEON IMPERATOR” obverse signed “Carlier fecit” is particularly associated with the early Empire issues—minted by the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris).

This piece was not produced as a conventional two-sided struck medal but rather as an appliqué medallion, intended for mounting in Empire decorative arts. The reverse is left raw and unfinished, with file and tool marks visible, and the rim folded to secure the plaque into a gilt-bronze surround. Such portrait medallions were highly popular between 1804 and 1815, adorning caskets, presentation boxes, furniture, and architectural ornaments commissioned by the Imperial court and its supporters. They reflect the deliberate adaptation of ancient Roman models—Napoleon portrayed as a new Caesar, crowned with laurel and styled Imperator.

Carlier’s portrait dies form part of the celebrated “Histoire Métallique de Napoléon,” a monumental series that chronicled the Emperor’s reign in medallic art. Examples such as this illustrate the wider dissemination of Napoleonic imagery beyond numismatics, entering the realm of decorative arts and political propaganda.

Dimensions: 3"

Condition: Gilt finish with wear, patination to reverse, consistent with age.

In Bramsen’s authoritative catalogue (Médaillier Napoléon le Grand), Carlier’s portrait dies appear in several entries between Bramsen 309 – 350 (dating c. 1804–1806). See less