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France - 1807

Séjour à Ostérode

Obverse:

Head of Napoleon laureated.

Legend:

ANDRIEU F. DENON DIR^T.

Exergue:

NAPOLEON A OSTERODE.

Size:

40 mm.

Reverse:

the head of Fabius.

Legend:

FABIUS CUNCTATOR.

Exergue:

Under the head, or exergue, DENON DIR^T.

Laskey:

Of this medal, but little explanation more than is found on its face, is necessary here. Napoleon having rested at Ostérode, gave rise to its being struck by order of the French government.

The head of Fabius on the reverse evidently alludes in a degree to some part of the events in the life of Napoleon. Q. Maximus Fabius, from a dull and unpromising childhood, burst at once into deeds of valour and heroism, and was gradually raised by merit to the highest offices of the state. In his first consulship he obtained a victory over Liguria, and the fatal battle of Thrasymenus occasioned his election to the Dictatorship; in this important office, he began to oppose Hannibal, not by fighting him in the open field, like his predecessors, but he continually harassed his army by countermarches and ambuscades, for which he received the surname of Cunctator or Delayer. Such operations, for the commander of the Roman armies, gave offence to some, and Fabius was even accused of cowardice. He died in his 100th year, after he had been five times Consul, and twice honoured with a triumph.

Bramsen:

Bramsen - 631 Napoléon à Osterode. (Andrieu)
NAPOLEON A OSTERODE. Tête laurée, à droite.	Rev: FABIUS CUNCTATOR. Tête, à gauche.
Médaille, 40 mm. - T. N. 19, 8; H. m. 41, 213; M. F. 366, 74.

d'Essling:

d'Essling - 1164 Napoléon à Osterode (Andrieu)
Sa tête à dr.	R. Tête de Fabius Cunctator à g.
(TN. 19.8 - M. 213 - B. 631) Arg. et Br. 41 mm.

Séjour à Ostérode