AE medal Battle of Castiglione 1796

A superb bronze medal with a smooth edge, engraved by the Italian artist Amédéo Lavy, struck to commemorate the Battle of Castiglione and the Engagement at Peschiera.

The Battle of Castiglione, fought on August 5, 1796, in northern Italy during Napoleon Bonaparte’s first Italian campaign, was one of his earliest and most decisive victories. Through a daring maneuver, the young general forced the Austrian troops to retreat and secured French control over Lombardy. This triumph greatly enhanced Napoleon’s reputation and foreshadowed the brilliant military career that would soon follow.

The Engagement at Peschiera, also in August 1796, took place shortly after Castiglione. The fortress town of Peschiera, situated on the shores of Lake Garda, was a key Austrian stronghold. Following the French victory, Napoleon’s forces besieged and captured the city, ensuring control of vital communication routes and consolidating his dominance over northern Italy.