World Medals: Andrieu, Bertrand (French, 1761-1822); b. Bordeaux, and Brenet, Nicolas-Guy-Antoine (French, 1773-1846); b. Paris, and Denon, Dominique-Vivant (French, 1747-1825); b. Chalons-sur-Saône SPAIN/FRANCE, Entrada a Madrid [Entry to Madrid], 1808, a copper medal by B. Andrieu and N.-G.-A. Brenet for D.-V. Denon, laureate bust of Napoléon to right, rev. elevation of the Puerta de Alcalá, 40mm, 41.48g (Bramsen 757; Zeitz 97; Alexander 96; CGMP p.68; BDM I, 274; Slg. Julius 1947; cf. CNG e601, 769; cf. WAG e154, 130; cf. Noonans 256, 314). About extremely fine £60-£80 Provenance: Bt H.D. Rauch September 2003. In the wake of Napoléon’s elder brother, Joseph, being crowned King of Spain in May 1808, resistance to France among the Spanish provincial armies grew and after a number of reverses Napoléon accompanied his troops to Spain, capturing and sacking Burgos and then, en route to Madrid and with the assistance of a troop of Polish light cavalry, emerged victorious in a battle in the mountains of Puerto de Somosierra on 30 November. After a three-day stand-off, Madrid capitulated on 4 December and, occupying the city, Napoléon proceeded to suppress the Inquisition and seize its property and assets