Name of Object:

Medal – The construction of the Suez Canal

Location:

Bucharest, Romania

Holding Institution:

National Museum of Romanian History

 About National Museum of Romanian History, Bucharest

Date of Object:

1864

Author:

Eugène André Oudiné (1st January 1810, Paris – 12 April 1887, Paris);
Alexis Joseph Depaulis (30 August 1792, Paris – 29 September 1867, Paris)

Description:

Built between 1859–1869, the Suez Canal represents a direct link between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. It had a positive influence on the commerce of Europe with the southern Arabian Peninsula, as it significantly reduced the duration of transports, given that in the past a longer route, which went around Africa, was used. This bronze medal dedicated to the construction of the canal was issued in 1864. Its obverse, designed by Chaplain, features the laureate head of emperor Napoleon III. On the reverse, designed by Depaulis, is depicted Industria standing between Europe and Africa, who are holding hands. Above the three female figures is inscribed “Jonction des deux mers” (Junction of the two seas) and beyond there are emblems of Egypt (a pyramid, the Sphinx, a palm tree) and of the canal (a ship).

Citation of this web page:

"Medal – The construction of the Suez Canal" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;rm;7;en

MWNF Working Number: RO 007