Dominique Vivant Denon (1747–1825)

Medalist: Louis-François Jeannest

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 553

Jeannest, a bronze founder, was no doubt responsible for casting as well as modeling this medal, which captures admirably its subject's wit and vivacity. Vivant Denon started as a diplomat during the ancien regime and later turned to drawing and printmaking. He was a key tastemaker under Napoleon, who later created him baron of the Empire. Appointed general director of the Musée Napoleon in 1802, the event celebrated by this medal, he was the first organizer of what was to become the Musée du Louvre. The medal is displayed with the Metropolitan's famous mahogany-and-silver coin cabinet in Egyptian taste, traditionally said to have been made for Vivant Denon.

Dominique Vivant Denon (1747–1825), Medalist: Louis-François Jeannest (active late 18th–mid-19th century), Bronze, French

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