Family Values [obverse]

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the National Gallery of, where Jules-Clément Chaplain'sFamily Values [obverse (1891) captures the warmth of domestic life in a intimate bronze medal. This 6.14 cm diameter showcases Chaplain, a leading French medallist of the Belle Époque, whose intricate low-relief designs drew from Renaissance traditions while embracing Republican ideals. Crafted in bronze—a durable medium prized for its rich patina and ability to hold fine details—the obverse likely features a tender family vignette, symbolizing unity and moral strength. Created during France's Third Republic, when promoting family values was key to national stability amid industrialization and social change, the medal reflects broader cultural shifts toward celebrating everyday virtues. Chaplain's mastery of engraving techniques allowed for lifelike portraits and symbolic motifs, making his works both artistic gems and collectible tokens. Often produced in small editions, such medals were popular among elites as personal or commemorative pieces. As a gift to the NGA from Mark and Lynne Hammerschlag, this piece highlights Chaplain's enduring influence on modern medallic art, bridging sculpture and intimate ornament. A delightful reminder of 19th-century optimism, it invites you to ponder the timeless appeal of family bonds.

About the Artist

Jules-Clément Chaplain · 1839–1909

Jules-Clément Chaplain (1839–1909) was a French engraver and medallist who became the most celebrated practitioner of the art medal in late nineteenth-century France. Born in Mortagne-au-Perche in Normandy, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Jouffroy and Oudiné and won the Prix de Rome for engraving in 1863, which enabled him to study in Italy for several years. Chaplain's work...