FRANCE, Third Republic. 1870-1940. Æ Plaque (29.3x35.2cm, 1.791 kg). Reconsecration of the Paris Panthéon. By N. Cotte. Dated 26 May 1885. EF.

Electronic Auction 551
Lot: 775. Estimated: $ 100

World Medals, Bronze

Sold For $ 425. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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FRANCE, Third Republic. 1870-1940. Æ Plaque (29.3x35.2cm, 1.791 kg). Reconsecration of the Paris Panthéon. By N. Cotte. Dated 26 May 1885. St. Genevieve standing left, healing blind woman kneeling right, resting hand on bucket set on well; view of the Panthéon in background to left; above, rays emitting from banner reading S^TE GENEVIÈVE GUÉRIT SA MÈRE AVEUGLE; in exergue, PARIS 26 Mai 1886 over banner reading LA PATRIE/ C’EST AUSSI LA UNE MÈRE / Blank. Polished. EF.

From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

Construction on the Panthéon was initiated by Louis XV, and the structure was intended as a church to house the relics of St. Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. However, shortly after the building was completed, the National Constituent Assembly converted it into a mausoleum for notable French citizens. The Panthéon would alternate between sepulchral and sacred functions several times in the 19th century, being reconsecrated again in on 26 May 1885. A few days later, on 1 June 1885, it was finally and permanently converted to a mausoleum with the burial of author Victor Hugo.

Closing Date and Time: 29 November 2023 at 14:18:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.