Nicolas-Marie Gatteaux

Nicolas-Marie Gatteaux, born in Paris on August 2, 1751 and died in the same city on June 24, 1832, was a French medallist.

Biography

The son of a locksmith and a pupil of Pierre Claude François Delorme and Antoine-Jean Gros, Nicolas-Marie Gatteaux was the author of a large number of medals. Some allude to public events: the Death of Louis XV, the Coronation of Louis XVI, the birth of the Dauphin, Montgolfier's invention of aerostats, Lapeyrouse's voyage, the Federation of French Departments, the Abolition of Privileges, Moreau's crossing of the Rhine in Year VIII. Other medals depict famous men, Joseph Haydn, the Count of Maurepas, d'Alembert, the Three Consuls.

In 1781 he was appointed engraver of the king's medals.

He is the author of most of the engravings and dry stamps for assignats, starting in 1791. His full signature, or one abbreviated to “GATT”, can be seen on them.