2¾ X 2 3/16 X ~.200 inches; Edge (bottom) shows Cornucopia, BRONZE. Obverse: Upper Left, MUTUALITE' , 1 Seated Male figure w/Beard & Cane, 1 Standing Male figure (Blacksmith); 1 Standing (Flying?) Female figure; C. LOUDRAY Beneath Seated figure. Reverse: Ornate Rectangular Cartouche, blank.
@wlwhittier Correction: The medallist is Marie Alexandre Lucien Coudray aka L. Coudray. He was born at Paris on February 21, 1864; entered the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1882 and was a pupil of Ponscarme. He produced a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 and one of his better works is that of Orpheus. Chris
Given the title Mutualite (mutual insurance) I will hazard an interpretation of the image. An older man, dependent on insurance, is supported by a younger able-bodied man. This represents how insurance, especially *mutual* insurance (ie funded by its own members) works. The woman behind is France, supporting and encouraging the insurance system.
That's really inspired, Dave...Thanks! I thought about what I could see there, and could come to no conclusion, based on my (obviously limited) experience.
I think that is a good interpretation, Dave! It is one of the reasons why I wish that the US would return to the use of allegorical figures on their coinage. Chris
I continue to be very impressed by the depth of knowledge shown by you and many other members, Chris. My sincere gratitude for all the helpful posts! wlw
You can thank my trusty 8-volume, 5,200 page compendium of Biographical Dictionary of Medallists by Forrer. Actually, there was more written about Coudray, listing many of the other medals and plaquettes, but these were the most salient points in my opinion. FWIW, Oscar Roty has 21 pages of credits listed for him. Chris
You can thank my trusty 8-volume, 5,200 page compendium of Biographical Dictionary of Medallists by Forrer. Actually, there was more written about Coudray, listing many of the other medals and plaquettes, but these were the most salient points in my opinion.
