"Plaster Medallion 'baptism Of The King Of Rome' Napoleon I, 1811"
Commemorative plaster medallion with a burgundy patina depicting the Baptism of the King of Rome, son of Napoleon I. Made by Andrieu. Medaillon in condition. Exact replica of the bronze medal held at the Louvre, see description below.
First half of the 19th century.
Dimensions: Diameter 6.8 cm, thickness: approximately 0.5 cm.
The bronze medal depicts Napoleon I, in imperial robes, standing before an armchair, holding his son (Napoleon II, François Charles Joseph) above the baptismal font, upon which rest two sacred vessels and a laurel branch. At the foot of the font is a Bible with clasps, bearing a cross on the cover. The seat of the chair is adorned with the "N" of Napoleon I, surrounded by laurel wreaths.
At the bottom of the medal is the inscription: BAPTISM OF THE KING OF ROME / 1811 (1811).
Signed on the left: ANDRIEU FECIT, made by the Bordeaux medalist Bertrand Andrieu (1761-1822), the design of the composition was created by Louis Lafitte (1770-1828).
Source: Louvre Collection.
The baptism of the King of Rome, only son of Napoleon I and Empress Marie-Louise, was celebrated with exceptional pomp at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on June 9, 1811. This event symbolized the dynastic continuity of the Empire and had a strong political and religious dimension. This episode was conceived as an inaugural act intended to consecrate the new Napoleonic dynasty and strengthen the legitimacy of the reign. Through this baptism, Napoleon I intended to affirm the dynastic character and consecrated his power, by linking his son, Napoleon François Charles Joseph, to the destiny of the Empire under the title of King of Rome.
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