The Anointment of Charles X
1825
Medium
Bronze, struck
Dimensions
Diameter: 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Ms. Simon, in memory of J. Briton Gift, and various donors, 1991
Accession Number
1991.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking bronze medal, created by French artist Raymond Gayrard in 1825, commemorates the anointing of Charles X during his coronation at Reims Cathedral. Measuring just 2 3/4 inches in diameter, the work exemplifies the tradition of struck medals used to mark significant royal and political events. Its profile portraits reflect the classical style favored in early 19th-century France, evoking ancient Roman coinage while celebrating contemporary monarchy. Issued during the Bourbon Restoration, the medal captures a moment of renewed royal tradition after the upheavals of the French Revolu...
About the Artist
Raymond Gayrard · 1777–1858
French, Rodez 1777–1858 Paris