France Medal 1899 Exposition Universelle, Paris – by Louis Bottée VF-

France – 1889 Bronze Medal – Exposition Universelle, Paris – by Louis Bottée

Obverse:
Allegorical female figure seated right, personifying France, crowning a male figure symbolising industry or labour. Below, a panoramic view of the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. Around: “EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE 1889”. Signed: “L. BOTTÉE”.

Reverse:
Seated allegorical female figure holding a sword and oak branch. At left: “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”. A tablet for engraving bears the name of the exhibitor or recipient (in this case: “L. TERHA S.A.”). Signature along edge: “L. BOTTÉE”.

Historical context:
This medal was struck for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, marking the centennial of the French Revolution and unveiling the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Louis Bottée, one of the leading French medallic artists of the late 19th century, the piece exemplifies the elegance of Art Nouveau allegory. It was awarded to exhibitors, such as the firm L. Terha S.A., whose name appears engraved on the reverse.

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