On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, Joaquin Jimenez signs a medal that honors American liberty, two and a half centuries after its
proclamation. More than a commemoration, this creation is part of a long continuum: that of a history enriched by exchanges and 250 years of friendship and collaboration between France and the United States.
The medal echoes the great moments of Franco-American friendship, from the support
decisive contribution in the 18th century to the cultural and diplomatic collaborations that have
been built over generations. It dialogues with the heritage of the engravers of the century.
of the Enlightenment, creators of the first medals celebrating American independence. From
years later, Joaquin Jimenez continues this legacy and, in turn, pays tribute to them
tribute, by anchoring his vision in the present. Through this work, the medal becomes an object of transmission: it tells a story of independence in motion, shaped by history, dialogue, and a lasting friendship between two nations.

OBVERSE

⁣⁢The design depicts a battle scene, in the style of Liberty Leading the People
by Eugène Delacroix, structured around three central figures. In the foreground, an allegorical female figure unfolds, recognizable by her radiant crown and flowing robe. The embodiment of Liberty, she leads the march, brandishing a flag.
At the center of the composition, George Washington, a founding figure of the American nation, is depicted holding a sword. To his right, the Marquis de La Fayette, in turn, brandishes a weapon, evoking their common commitment and the fight for liberty.
In the background, a landscape animated by soldiers recalls the historical context of the struggle for independence and places the scene within the tumult of the clashes that shaped the birth of the nation.⁤⁣

REVERSE

The composition brings together several layers of American history, displayed in a
circular path, clockwise. In the background, a
L'Hermione, the frigate that enabled the Marquis de La Fayette to reach America, a direct reminder of French support for the struggle for independence. The dates 1776–2026, inscribed in the composition, establish a link between the proclamation of independence and its 250th anniversary.
On the right, two profiles stand out: those of George Washington and the Marquis de La
Fayette, founding figures of American independence and symbols of the Franco-American alliance. Their busts, turned towards the horizon, suggest a shared vision and a common construction built to last.
In the lower part of the design, a hat and a helmet from the First and
Second World Wars introduce another temporal dimension: they evoke the continuity of commitment, the battles fought side-by-side, and the renewed alliances throughout the 20th century.
On the left, the Statue of Liberty, designed and assembled in France, rises as a landmark.
visual and symbolic, embodying the ideals of liberty and emancipation. The entire design thus presents an independence rooted in the long term.