1811 France Napoleon & Marie-Louise – Birth of the King of Rome Medal – Andrieu 41mm FRANCE – First Empire (1804–1814) Napoleon I & Marie-Louise Birth of the King of Rome – Bronze Medal, 1811 – Paris Mint Engraver: Andrieu – Director: Vivant Denon Diameter: 41 mm – Metal: Bronze Reference: Bramsen 1097 Offered here is an original 1811 Paris Mint bronze medal celebrating one of the most important dynastic events of the Napoleonic era: the birth of Napoleon François Joseph Charles, the long-awaited King of Rome, son of Napoleon I and Empress Marie-Louise. This is the official Paris Mint type engraved by Bertrand Andrieu, the most famous medalist of the First Empire, under the direction of Vivant Denon, master of Napoleonic medallic art. Your example shows excellent preservation, sharp details, and a beautiful antique brown patina typical of early-19th-century French bronzes. ⸻ Obverse Superb double portrait of Napoleon I and Marie-Louise facing right, their profiles finely rendered with classic Empire style precision. Below: signatures ANDRIEU F. and DENON D. A masterpiece of Andrieu’s neoclassical portraiture. ⸻ Reverse Portrait of the newborn Napoleon François Joseph Charles, titled “Roi de Rome”, facing left. Legend: NAPOLEON FRANÇOIS JOSEPH – CHARLES ROI DE ROME Below: signature ANDRIEU F. In exergue: XX MARS MDCCCXI (20 March 1811), the official birth date. A historically significant type symbolizing the zenith of Napoleonic dynastic ambition. ⸻ Historical Significance This medal was struck to commemorate the birth of the imperial heir, an event celebrated throughout the Empire with monumental fanfare. Paris produced medals, plaques and engravings, and Andrieu’s work is considered the canonical official portrait of the imperial family at this moment of glory. Collectors prize this medal for its: Strong historical symbolism Refined neoclassical engraving Beautiful early-Mint patina Direct connection to the imperial dynasty ⸻ Condition • Beautiful original brown patina • Exceptional portrait details • Sharp lettering and clean surfaces • No cleaning, no damage — excellent for collectors .