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Diameter: 90x68mm (approx.3.5") Weight: 320g (approx.11oz) Edge/Relief: 6mm
Art Deco Bronze medal / plaquette, initially issued in 1922 for the 300 years anniversary of Molière's birth, this specimen is a superb and Rare restrike in excellent condition as scanned, edge marked with horn of plenty* (Paris mint)+1986. This plaque features a splendid portrait of Molière after Mignard at the bottom there are two monkeys one is holding a mirror one a laurel branch, on the reverse Molière at his desk writing, comedy personified by a woman antique draped who is crowning him.
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name, Molière (January 15, 1622 – February 17, 1673), was a French dramatist, director, theatre manager and actor. He is considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. From a prosperous family and having studied at the Jesuit Clermont College (now Lycée Louis-le-Grand), Molière left with a good education to begin a life in the theatre. Thirteen years on the road as an actor helped him to polish his comic abilities while he also began writing, combining Commedia dell'Arte elements with the more refined French comedy
Through the patronage of a few aristocrats including the brother of Louis XIV, Molière procured a command performance before the King at the Louvre. Performing a classic play by Pierre Corneille and a farce of his own, Le Docteur amoureux (The Doctor in Love), Molière was granted the use of Salle du Petit-Bourbon at the Louvre, a spacious room appointed for theatrical performances. Later, Molière was granted the use of the Palais-Royal, in both locations he found success among the Parisians with plays such as Les Précieuses ridicules (The Affected Ladies), L'École des maris (The School for Husbands) and L'École des femmes (The School for Wives). This royal favour brought a royal pension to his troupe and the title "Troupe du Roi" (The King's Troupe). Molière continued as the official author of court entertainments.[3]
Though he received the adulation of the court and Parisians, Molière's satires attracted criticisms from moralists and the Church. Tartuffe ou l'Imposteur (Tartuffe or the Hypocrite) and its attack on religious hypocrisy roundly received condemnations from the Church while Don Juan was banned from performance. Molière's hard work in so many theatrical capacities began to take its toll and by 1667, he had to take a break from the stage. In 1673, during a production of his final play, Le Malade imaginaire (The Imaginary Invalide), Molière, playing the hypochondriac Argan, was seized onstage by a coughing-fit and died a few hours later. In his time in Paris, Molière had completely reformed French comedy
ABOUT THE ARTIST Georges-Henri PRUD'HOMME (1873-1947). French sculptor and medallist born at Cap Breton. He studied at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts under Falguière and A. Dubois. Chevalier Légion d'Honneur in 1923.
Mint Marks used at the PARIS MINT:
Plain Edge ==> All medals before March 30th 1832 have plain edges and before 1841 for bronze or copper.
Antique Lamp ==> from March 30th 1832 until October 21st 1841 (on gold & silver only).
Anchor ==> from October 21st 1841 until September 25th 1842.
Ship Prow ==> from September 26th 1842 until June 12th 1845.
Pointing Hand ==> from June 13th 1845 until October 1st 1860.
Bee ==> from November 1st 1860 until December 31st 1879.
Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) ==> from 1880 until now.
**About “ Restrikes ” from the Paris Mint :
A re-strike is not a copy it is a medal minted from the same die as the original strike at a later date ; it is guaranteed from the Paris mint as well with the hallmark stamped on its edge ; Advantages for the collector often are : restrikes are usually more affordable, usually in better condition and of higher quality due to progress in medals making tools, you often get a higher quality medal than an original strike. Also sometimes, even professionals cannot guarantee a medal from the Paris Mint to be ‘100% original’ as there has been many restrikes all along since the first strike of a medal.
Interests/Themes keywords : Art medal, France, Art nouveau, Literature, Writer, Writers, Comedy, Stage, Theatre, Apes, Monkeys.
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