Pair of revolutionary medallions by Andrieu

A fascinating pair of extremely detailed late 18th/early 19th century French revolutionary bronze patinated lead medallions by Bertrand Andrieu (1761-1822). The first inscribed 'No 1' 'Siege De La Bastille' with the sub text 'Prise par les Citoyens de la ville de Paris le 14 J.uet 1789' commemerates the storming of the Bastile and the second the inscribed 'No 2' Arrivée du Roi à Paris le 6 Octobre 1789' commemorating the Return of the King (Louis XVI) and Queen (Marie-Antoinette) to Paris. By repute these medals were struck on one side only because of their size and detail from lead stripped from the roof of the Bastille. Period gilt bronze frames with hanging hooks and glass fronts. France, circa 1800.

H 11cm x W 9.4cm x D 0.9cm

SOLD