Preview
Creation Date
ca. 1900
Geography
Paris, France
Culture
French
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 1.6 in. (4.1 cm)
Weight: 0.9 oz (26.8 g)
Credit Line
Long-term Loan from the Estate of Boris Blick, 2015
Accession Number
2015.159.9
Condition
This medal is in relatively good condition, but some of the details of the engraving have been worn down, likely from being handled. (April 2025)
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Obverse:
AM (encircled)
Reverse: SOMMET DE LA TOUR EIFFEL
SOUVENIR
DE
L’ASCENSION
Creator Biography
Alexandre Louis Marie was born in Paris, France in 1856, and he was a successful sculptor as well as a medalist and furniture and jewelry designer. Though he passed away in 1900, by 1905 he became quite a well known artist for his relief titled “Happy Family”, which was displayed in the Salon of the Société des Beaux Arts.
Description
This souvenir medal depicts the summit of the Eiffel Tower with a flag flying from the top, and to the right of this image are the words, “Souvenir de l’Ascension” The bottom of the image has engravings which imply the buildings and structures surrounding the Eiffel Tower. Encircling this image, the medal reads: “Sommet de la Tour Eiffel.” The obverse includes a detail of three male figures standing on the Eiffel Tower working on its construction. Two of the figures are shown holding a beam in place while the third holds a mallet. On the edge of the medal, souvenir’s material, bronze, is identified.
