Vrede van Schonbrunn

About this artwork

diameter 4 cm x gewicht 33,78 gr

Art Historical Context

### Vrede van Schönbrunn Medal Crafted in 1809 by the French medalist Bertrand Andrieu,Vrede van Schönbr* (Peace of Schönbrunn) is a finely struck medal celebrating a pivotal moment in Napoleonic history. Measuring just 4 cm in diameter and weighing 3378 grams, this compact metalwork exemplifies the precision of early 19th-century numismatic art. Andrieu, a master engraver favored by Napoleon, specialized in commemorative medals that blended neoclassical elegance with propagandistic flair, often glorifying French military triumphs. The medal commemorates the Treaty of Schönbrunn, signed on October 14, 1809, between Napoleon Bonaparte and Emperor Francis I of Austria. Following France's victory at the Battle of Wagram, the treaty redrew European maps, annexing territories to the French Empire and dissolving the Papal States—marking a high point of Napoleon's dominance before his eventual downfall. Struck using metalworking techniques that involved incised dies and high-pressure hammering, the medal's intricate reliefs likely feature symbolic motifs of peace, victory, and imperial portraits, showcasing Andrieu's skill in capturing fine details on a miniature scale. As both historical artifact and artistic gem, it offers visitors a tangible glimpse into the grandeur and fragility of empire in the Age of Revolution.

About the Artist

Bertrand Andrieu · 1761–1822

French, Bordeaux 1761–1822 Paris