THE 1768 ROYAL ACADEMY MEDAL DESIGN SOURCE
The E-Sylum (7/14/2013)
Book Content
Francois Velde writes:
Regarding John Sallay's query, I can point out that the French medal he cites does date from 1717; it is described in this book published in 1724. The motto on the medal: "accipe quae peragenda prius", learn what is first to be accomplished (before reaching the temple), is from Virgil's Aeneid 6:136.
The original design, Minerva showing the temple of glory to young Louis XV, is by Antoine Coypel (1661-1722), and was engraved by Pierre Drevet, although the motto that accompanies the engraving ("tali se dea jactat alumno", the goddess prides herself in such a pupil) was used on another medal commemorating the education of Louis XV.
To read the 1717 book, see: Annales de la Monarchie Françoise: M. de Limiers (books.google.com/books?id=Yfu-mXJdiUMC&pg=RA2-PA123)
To view the Pierre Drevet engraving, see: Minerve montrant à Louis XV le temple de la gloire (gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8408424b)
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: QUERY: 1768 ROYAL ACADEMY MEDAL DESIGN SOURCE SOUGHT (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n28a14.html)