Preview
Creation Date
ca. 1900
Geography
Germany, Austria
Culture
German, Austrian
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.1 x 0.1 in. (4.5 x 2.8 x 0.2 cm)
Weight: 0.9 oz (26.3 g)
Credit Line
Long-term Loan from the Estate of Boris Blick, 2015
Accession Number
2015.159.10
Provenance
Though unspecific to this medal, as of February 2025, Professor Sarah Blick recalled the following details in regard to where her father's collection of medals may have been acquired:
She first mentioned that her father frequented Stagecoach Antiques on West Market Street while he lived in Akron, Ohio in 1964. Additionally, Her father purchased medals from Don Barrett at City Bank Antiques in Kent, Ohio. For the most part, however, his collection did not truly start coming together until he retired in 1990.
Additional Antique Shops Visited:
Cropley Circle Antiques - 1451 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Akron, OH, 44321.
Medina Antique Mall - 2797 Medina Rd, Medina, OH 44256
Condition
This brass plaque is showing minor signs of wear, with some spots of oxidation on both the obverse and reverse as well as scratches from being handled. (February 2025)
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Obverse:
DEM ANDENKEN =
SCHILLERS · 1909 =
ARNOLD HARTIG
References
Forrer, Leonard. Biographical Dictionary of Medallists. Vol. VII. London: Spink & Son, 1923.
Creator Biography
Arnold Hartig was born in Brand bei Tannwald in Bohemia in 1876, and after being taught under Rudolf Zitte and Professor Stephan Schwartz in his youth, he went on to work professionally as a medallist and sculptor. From 1905 onward, Hartig presented his medals annually at the Vienna Künstlerhaus. Hartig led a long life, passing away in 1972.
Description
This rectangular commemorative plaque includes two layers of imagery, with the profile of Friedrich Schiller looking to the left in the background. Layered on top is imagery of a woman and male child standing together and facing the left. This woman and child are holding a garland of leaves. In the lower left region, the plaque reads “DEM ANDENKEN = SCHILLERS · 1909”, which translates to “In memory of Schiller, 1909” to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Schiller’s birth. Carved in very small print in the bottom right corner is the signature of artist Arnold Hartig.
