France, arge Bronze Medal – Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the Calypso Substantial bronze commemorative medal honouring the celebrated French ocean explorer Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The obverse features a detailed right-facing portrait of Cousteau wearing his characteristic red-style cap and smoking a pipe. The surrounding inscription reads “Commandant Jacques Yves Cousteau”. The artist’s signature “R. Duboc” appears below the portrait. The reverse depicts Cousteau’s famous research vessel Calypso at sea. It bears the inscriptions “Le Monde des Océans”, “La Calypso” and “Robert-Laffont Éditeur”. The strong relief and naturally developed brown patina give the medal an attractive, maritime character. Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910–1997) was a French naval officer, oceanographer, inventor, filmmaker and conservationist. Together with engineer Émile Gagnan, he helped develop the Aqua-Lung, which made modern scuba diving possible. Through his expeditions aboard Calypso, as well as his books and documentaries, Cousteau introduced millions of people to the underwater world and became one of the twentieth century’s best-known advocates for ocean conservation. Specifications: - Subject: Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau - Reverse: the research vessel Calypso - Material: bronze - Diameter: approximately 90 mm - Weight: approximately 210 grams - Artist: R. Duboc