France Préfecture de Police - 1800-1950 - Bronze par Dropsy

The bronze medal "Préfecture de Police - 1800-1950" is a work by the French sculptor and medalist Henri Dropsy. This commemorative piece features distinct characteristics on its two sides.

The obverse of the medal depicts a helmeted Minerva, leaning against a pilaster. A rooster stands at her feet, while a shield is visible on the right. The legend ".PREFECTURE. - .DE. police." borders the composition, and the exergue bears the inscription ".VIGILAT. VT. QVIESCANT.". The signature "H. Dropsy" indicates the artist behind the design.

The reverse of the medal offers a view of the Île de la Cité, where the Préfecture de Police and the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are located. The motto "FLVCTCAT - NEC - MERGITVR" is inscribed at the top. The inscription ".12. / .MESSIDOR. / .AN. VIII. / .FONDATION. / .DE. LA. / PREFECTURE. / .DE. police." commemorates the date of the institution's founding.

Henri Dropsy, born in Paris in 1885 and died in 1969, left his mark on the world of sculpture and medals in France. He taught medal engraving at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts from 1930 and was also a lecturer at the École des beaux-arts in Cairo. His commitment to the artistic community was manifested through his presidency of the artistic property union.