Does the intial stand for the bust artist or the medal engraver?
I did some looking and came up with two possible choises:
M. Denon
M. Cattanco
excerpted from "Medallic History of Napoleon"
Or does M. simply denote Mr. in this reference???
VI PREFACE.
It is curious to trace, in how short a space of time, under a govern-
ment which affords sufficient encouragement, and has taste to give a
proper direction to the Arts, they will rise from a state of inferiority to
elegance and perfection. The first Medals of Napoleon, struck between
1796 and 1802, are of very indifferent design and execution. But under
the direction of M. Denon, they gradually improved, and at length at-
tained a high degree of beauty.
The heads by Andrieu and Droz, from the bust of Chaudet, are
some of the best executed since the revival of the Arts. To a striking
resemblance, they unite ideal beauty and character. This union is what
distinguishes the portraits of ancient artists, and what ought to be the
principal object with sculptors and painters when they take resemblances
The reverses of many of the Paris Mint Medals are distinguished
by elegance of composition ; particularly those imitated from monu-
ments of antiquity, the true school for good taste. The adulation dis-
played in some of the types and inscriptions, is deserving, however, of
severe censure.
The Medals of the Milan Ivlint, executed under the direction of
M. Cattanco, although few in number, vie, in point of beauty and exe-
cution, with those of Paris.
As most of the Medals occur in gold, silver, and copper, the metal
has not been indicated.
The Medals of the Paris Mhit are distinguished by the mark ('.ai.)