Ancient, Celtic, British and World Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

WORLD ART MEDALS France, Marat, “Ami du Peuple”, a large and impressive uniface bronze portrait medallion by Brisson, 1868, by Brisson, in high relief, Marat wearing the cap of Liberty facing left, pierced at left and right margins to facilitate display, 238mm. Extremely fine, with lovely chocolate brown patina (£150-200)

Jean Paul Marat (1743 - 1793), revolutionary French journalist and politician. After a largely unsuccessful career as a writer, the French Revolution gave Marat an opportunity to revive his career. In 1789 he began a radical newspaper “L’Ami de Peuple”, an influential journal preaching extreme revolutionary views. Marat was elected to the National Assembly and campaigned vigorously against the moderate elements in the Convention, the Girondists, the campaign played its part in the purge of 23 Girondists in June,1793 and eventually the formation of a strong Jacobin government. Nemesis awaited however and a month later, he was assassinated by the young Girondist, Charlotte Corday, an event immortalised by David’s famous painting. There is no doubting the power of Brisson’s portrait of Marat — an uncompromising Revolutionary hero or dangerous and violent fanatic according to ones point of view, but, one feels, clearly a man unwise to cross. See Plate II