THE STEPS INVOLVED IN MAKING THE MEDAL.
Single-sided medal, diameter 65mm.
In a few words, here are the steps involved in the realization of this project.
1 – Design
Research and development of models designed to convey the brand image of the future medal. Drawings, sketches, photos and montages. This is how the future medal is born. This entire phase was carried out in close collaboration with the office of the Société des Membres de la Légion d’Honneur du Rhône.
The proposal was largely inspired by a drawing (below) by Guesdon, from the Croix-Rousse, with the Rhône and Saône rivers, but without the bridges, leading to the Légion d’Honneur medal.
2 – The sculpture
Once the obverse design has been determined, the engraver begins the bas-relief sculpture.
This step towards the realization of the project involves modelling the drawing to scale three.
Using plastiline, the large masses come to life and emerge from the plan. Then, from impressions to counter-impressions in plaster, worked and engraved by hand, the motif takes shape.
The final model is molded with resin to serve as a template for reproducing its forms on a steel block.
3 – Reproducing the sculpture on the steel matrix
A steel block is positioned on a reduction lathe on the left, and the resin impression of the sculpture is fixed on the right.
Machining can now begin. A probe follows the entire surface of the sculpture and reproduces the shapes encountered on the steel block with a cutting tool. This is a long and precise stage, starting with roughing and finishing with the “finishing pass”, to engrave the details in the steel.
4 – Hand engraving of steel dies
Finally, the engraver removes all traces of the machine’s passage over the die. This stage is carried out with hammered chisels, mitre-cutters, scallops, chisels, tracers, mats… He redraws and emphasizes the strong lines of the motifs.
In this way, light, the future essential partner, underlines the bas-reliefs, details and softness of the future medal.
This is the hand-finish, where the engraver gives his “touch” and brings the future medal to life.
5 – Finally, the medal edition
After engraving, the die is heat-treated. It is then positioned on a 1,600-ton press, and bronze blanks are marked medal by medal.
The patina finish adds the final touch to the medal, highlighting the artist’s work. It’s only at the end of this long process, and by respecting all these stages, that the medal is truly born.
The production of medals is entrusted to Maison Pichard-Balme in Saumur, which upholds this tradition of quality craftsmanship.
In this way, the medal is a lasting witness to both its spirit and its material.
NICOLAS SALAGNAC, MEDAL ENGRAVER IN LYON, MOF
Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the SMLH – Rhône, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for the trust you have placed in me to create the new medal for the Rhône section.
It’s a source of pride for me, given the prestige of your association. May my work bring you full and complete satisfaction.
Engraving is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Its vocation is to leave a deep mark. Engraving is never ephemeral.
The first French medal was struck in Lyon, over 500 years ago.
And it’s in Lyon that Nicolas Salagnac perpetuates the craft of medal engraving, with a quality and perceptiveness that set him on a fine course. After graduating from the Ecole Boulle in 1985, he entered the trade in 1991, became Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, set up his own business in 2003, and was awarded the first Prix National en Métier de Tradition by SEMA in 2006. He became a member of the Grands Ateliers de France in 2007.
In 2008, he created the Villa Médicis Medal of Honor at the request of Frédéric Mitterand, its director, as well as the official medal of the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, editor Arthus-Bertrand. In 2007, he designed and engraved the official medal for the city of Lyon, published by La Monnaie de Paris.
At a time when a world driven by finance would like to consecrate hyperconsumption and glorify new technologies to promote standardized, commoditized works, Nicolas Salagnac confirms in each of his creations that only man is capable, through skilful, precise gestures, of inscribing an intention in matter and arousing emotions, extending a sensitivity, a vision, a spirit, a soul.
See the SEMLH du Rhône website: link