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This medallion, part of a Limited Edition of 10, is a reproduction of the enlarged terracotta version from the original medal “Libertas Americana.” It celebrates the protection of the United States by France during the American War of Independence, who helped fight off attacks from the British illustrated here through a coward leopard figure. Benjamin Franklin came up with the idea for the allegorical theme, which was then translated into a drawing by the artist Esprit-Antoine Gibelin (1730-1813). While the medal was the work of Augustin Dupré (1748-1833), the enlarged terracotta transcription was created by celebrated sculptor, Claude Michel, also known as Clodion (1738-1814).

This piece was acquired thanks to a fruitful partnership with the Ateliers d’Art des Musées Nationaux in France.

It was made on a marble resin base with a hand-finished patinated terracotta coating and is 16 13/16” x 16 13/16” x 11 1/16” (42.7 x 42.7 x 4.3 cm).