Academie der Bildenden Künste Ehrenmünze der Königl: Bayrer

Copied Aloïs Stanger, Academie der Bildenden Künste Ehrenmünze der Königl: Bayrer, 1879, bronze, 3⁄8 x 2 1⁄4 in. (.8 x 5.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. C. Keith McLane, 1970.211A-B
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Academie der Bildenden Künste Ehrenmünze der Königl: Bayrer
Artist
Date
1879
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3⁄8 x 2 1⁄4 in. (.8 x 5.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. C. Keith McLane
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male — head
  • Mythology — classical — Pegasus
  • Mythology — classical — Bellerophon
  • Equestrian
Object Number
1970.211A-B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1970.211A-B

Artwork Description

Alois Stanger designed this ehrenmünze (medal of honor) for the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts. The academy operated under the nominal sponsorship of King Ludwig II, who was more interested in opera and architecture. This bronze medal was likely accompanied by silver and gold medals awarded to recognize student performance at the academy. Although dated 1879, the medal had to have been designed between 1864, when Ludwig ascended the throne, and 1870, when Stanger died. The portrait captures "Mad King Ludwig" when he was much younger and thinner than he appeared by 1879. On the reverse, an allegorical figure holds a sculptor's mallet, as well as a palette and brushes, symbolizing the arts of sculpture and painting.