FRANCE, Premier Empire. Napoléon I. 1804-1814. AR Medal (40.5mm, 38.78 g, 12h). Conquest of Naples. By Droz and Brenet. Denon, director. Dated 1806 (
in Roman numerals). NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI., laureate head right; DROZ FECIT. on truncation of bust; DENON DIREXT/ M · DCCC · VI · below / Man-headed bull walking right, head facing; above, Nike flying right, placing wreath on bull's head; head of the Dioscouri below; BRENET F. and DENON D. in margins; CONQUÊTE DE NAPLES/ MDCCCVI. in exergue. Bramsen 516 var. (obv. signature); Julius 1558. EF, toned.
Though Napoléon’s invasion of Naples was successful in adding Italian holdings to the territory of France, he was unable to completely conquer the dual Bourbon kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. Ferdinand fled to his Sicilian possessions, where he was safe under the protection of the powerful British navy, and left his disheartened troops to unsuccessfully defend Naples alongside their British allies.
The reverse of this medal is inspired by the ancient nomoi coinage of Neapolis, featuring a man-headed bull being crowned by Nike.
