Napoleon Bonaparte Bronze Relief Medal for General Desaix, Place des Victoires, Paris. After Andrieu & Brenet.
A commemorative bronze medal for the 1810 Desaix monument on the Place de Victoire in Paris. Louis Charles Antoine Desaix (1768 – 1800) was a French general and military leader during the French Revolutionary Wars. Whilst fighting at Rivalta he rode to Marengo to assist when victory looked certain for the Austrians. He charged the Austrian centre with three regiments and was killed by a musket ball. Upon hearing of his death Napoleon said "Why am I not allowed to weep?". Napoleon paid tribute to Desaix by erecting monuments to him, with one being in the Place des Victoires, which was later destroyed.
Marked as Bronze, this is a later 19th century restrike by the Paris Mint.
In very good condition with an area of discolouring on the obverse, below the chin of Napoleon.
Approximate weight is 34 grams.
Approximate diameter is 40 mm.