France. LE SECRET DU BONHEUR (The Secret of Happiness). By Jean Vernon (1897-1975). Bronze plaquette 77mm x 36mm. Catalogue Général Illustré vol. 3 391/C. The finish of this medal appears to be somewhat later. It is slightly glossy with a somewhat pinkish tone, a finish that seems to have been used in the late 1950s and early 1960s. $125. Sorry, SOLD (September, 2023)

Jean Émile Louis de Vernon (known as Jean Vernon) was the son of medallist and sculptor Frédéric-Charles Victor de Vernon. He was born in Paris on April 1, 1897. Vernon studied at the École  des Arts Décoratifs and at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, under Jules Coutan and Hippolyte Jules Lefèbvre. He first exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1922 and won a silver medal in 1924 and a gold medal in 1936. Vernon worked primarily as a sculptor, but created medals, including his famous series of medals depicting scenes from Jean de la Fontaine’s Fables. He died in Paris on September 9, 1975.