Antoine Bovy; Louis Phillipe I (1773-1850); King of France 1830-1848; 1842; copper; 4 7/16 in. (11.3 cm.); This medal; depicting King Louis Philippe I; commemorates the 1842 establishment of the French Railway System. The neoclassical rendition of Louis Philippe I's portrait on this medal strictly follows the precedent set by Napoleon I; who oftentimes depicted himself in a style reminiscent of the Caesars. The personification of France on the reverse holds railroad tablets and is flanked by winged Commerce and Mars. The composition alludes to the economic and military application of railroads and signals the beginning of the age of rail. Bovy won the Legion of Honor in 1843 for the design of this medal; which remains; to this day; one of the largest medals ever struck.