FRANCE. Hippolyte Clairon Silver Tribute Medal, 1764. VERY FINE Details.Fischer/Maué-5.009. By Gustav Ljungberger. Diameter: 44.6mm. Weight: 59.0 g. Obverse: Draped bust of Clairon facing right, perimeter legend HIPPOLYTE CLAIRON DE LA TUDE above; signature LIUNGBERGER F. below bust; Reverse: Six-line legend LAMITIÉ / ET MELPOMENE / ONT FAIT FRAPPÉR / CETTE / MEDAILLE / EN 1764. Clair Josèphe Hippolyte Leris, later changing her name to Claire Hippolyte Leris de La Tude, was a famed French actress. She began her career at age 12 at the <em>Comédie Italiane</em> and through perseverance at the <em>Comédie Française</em> in 1743. She is remembered in many ways for her love affairs, her published memoir, and her rivalry with fellow French actress Marie Dumesnil. She retired from acting in 1766. English actor and theater owner David Garrick was an admirer, saying after seeing her for the first time in June 1752 that she "<em>pleasd me more than any actress I have yet seen.</em>"<p>This medal offers satiny surfaces of pleasing argent which gradually deepens near the peripheries and design elements. Some scattered marks and light wear. With decorative, doré mount. Attractive, with a compelling backstory. Rare in silver.Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to mans earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.From the Richard Margolis Collection.
