1890/323

Bronze Medal: Florence. Foundation of Lodge Eliza. Florence 1809

Date:- 1809 - Classification:- Consecration/Dedication; Lodge/Chapter Etc.

Country of Origin:- Italy -

Description

The name this bears—Elisa—-perhaps alludes to Marie Anne Elise Bonaparte, the wife of Felice Pasquale Baciscchi, Prince of Lucca, and who became the Grand Duchess of Tuscany in 1808. An account of an extraordinary session of the Lodge “D’Elisa,” relativeto its installation and the fête of the princess from whom it was named, was printed in a quarto pamphlet of 38 pages at Florence in 1809. This probably would explain the names upon the medal could it be procured. Italian medals are very few in number and rarely met with.

Obverse.—-Inscription, in seven lines, “ Fondation De La .'. D’Elisa A.L’Or .'. De Florence Le 21e,.Jour 5e Mois De L’An 5809” (Foundation of the Lodge Elisa, in the Orient of Florence, July 21, 1809). Legend surrounding the inscriiption, ‘‘ Goury * Aude* Gabboria * Gautier * Marmilor * Baroni * Mênil,’’ After the latter a five.pointed star, which comes at the top of the medal, and has upon it the letter "G"‘

Reverse—A radiant triangle, on which is the letter “E” in script, surrmounted buy a crown ofnine stars. Legend, one word at each point of the triangle, “ Sagesse” at top, “Bonte” on the right, and "Force” on the left (Wisdom, goodness, and strength), with a, small five-pointed star between the words.

Engraved in T. N. N.. Plate 33. Fig. 2.

Properties

43 mm. Bronze