The Establishment of the French Railway System: The Law of 11 June 1842 [reverse]

Antoine Bovy

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture on the circular bronze medal features a seated female figure in classical attire at the center, holding a tablet with "26 mai 1834 ROUEN" inscribed on it. The female figure is flanked by two winged males holding different objects: one appears to hold a torch, while the other holds a laurel wreath. The background includes rural elements and outlines of buildings and roads beneath the figures. The entire sculpture is in bronze with a metallic brown color. Engraved text around the border and at the base of the medal acknowledges the era of Louis Philippe. The piece combines classical and industrial imagery, reflecting themes of progress and enlightenment.