332 - A SET OF 4 SILVER MEDALS

A SET OF 4 SILVER MEDALS - "La Mutuelle de Valence," 1925 by Louis Ageron (1865–1935), a French painter and watercolorist, born and died in Valence, trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon and later in Paris in the studios of Jean-Léon Gérôme and Henri Harpignies, and president of the Valence School of Art from 1922 to 1929. -- “Wedding Blessing,” a medallion listed in the Musée d’Orsay’s collection by Louis-Alexandre Bottée (1852–1940), a French engraver and medalist, trained at the École des Arts Décoratifs and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Hubert Ponscarme’s studio; he is one of the great names in French medal art, on par with Roty and Vernon. - “Montagny” refers to an entire dynasty of French engravers and medalists active from the 18th to the 20th century (Fleury Montagny, 1760–1836, and his descendants, who also signed their work “Montagny F.”). This family specialized particularly in wedding medals and medals commemorating family and religious events. - “Charles” “National Federation of Physical Education and Military Training Societies of France and the Colonies” refers to one of the major sports and patriotic federations of the Belle Époque and the interwar period. The historical context is well documented: at that time, several competing federations existed in this field—a movement that had grown significantly after the defeat of 1870, with the aim of preparing French youth physically and morally. Total weight: 286 gr