Large circular bronze medal; the face with the head and shoulders portrait of a woman facing right wearing an elaborate oak-crowned winged helmet and a lion head brooch, inscribed ‘PATRIA’ (Homeland) and signed ‘A. Rivet’ (For the sculptor and engraver Adolphe Rivet 1855 - ?); the reverse with a circular central medallion inscribed ‘NIORT 1910’, circumscribed ‘CONCOURS SPÉCIAUX D’ANIMAUX PARTHENAIS ET MULASSIERS’, a standing female figure to the left with a rake, a scythe and a stoop of wheat to the right, a horse-drawn plough above, signed with initials ‘AR’ below; bronze assay mark to the edge; in original case of issue, the catch no longer engaging. Niort is an important agricultural centre in western France. The Parthenais breed of cattle is named for the nearby town of Parthenay. The Mulassier or Poitevin horse is another rare local breed. A decorative medal.
|