Medal Presented to Loïe Fuller by the French Government (Cleveland Museum of Art 1978.116)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1900
A temporary theater on the grounds of the 1900 Exposition Universelle was devoted to Loïe Fuller, who by that time had become a cultural icon. The theater’s interior was hung with draperies onto which a kaleidoscope of colors shone from stained glass windows and hidden lamps, evoking the diaphanous veils of her costumes. In the foyer was a gallery of paintings, drawings, and sculpture all depicting the dancer. Coudray’s medal, Orpheus at the Entrance to the Underworld, was struck to commemorate the world’s fair. This example of the famous Art Nouveau medal was engraved as a gift to Loïe Fuller. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1978.116: Medal Presented to Loïe Fuller by the French Government, 1900. Marie Alexandre Lucien Coudray (French, 1864–1932). Bronze; diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.). Inscribed: on obverse: L. Coudray. on reverse: Loie Fuller. Inscribed on edge: "Bronze" with an unidentified emblem.. Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- bronze
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
- Material and technique
- bronze
Design
- Inscription
- on obverse: L. Coudray. on reverse: Loie Fuller. Inscribed on edge: "Bronze" with an unidentified emblem.
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1900
- Culture period
- France, 19th century
- Maker recorded
- Marie Alexandre Lucien Coudray (French, 1864–1932)
- Museum attribution
- Marie Alexandre Lucien Coudray (French, 1864–1932)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1978.116
- Published references
- Harris, Margaret Haile. Loie Fuller, Magician of Light: A Loan Exhibition at the Virginia Museum, March 12-April 22, 1979. Richmond: The Museum, 1979. cat. #29, p. 55, repr. 54.
- Museum classification
- Metalwork
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm medallist, edition and restrike status against medallic references.