Johann Strauss in 12 objects - 4 & 5/12
Today's article is dedicated to two objects from our special Johann Strauss showcase.
The bronze cast medal created by Josef Tautenhayn the Younger (1868-1962), Austrian medallist and portrait sculptor, presents a portrait of the composer without a legend on the obverse to mark the 100th anniversary of Johann Strauss' birth. On the reverse, a Danube landscape by the river is recognisable, consisting of Kahlenberg, Leopoldsberg and Kahlenbergerdorf near Vienna. The Danube plays a key role in Strauss' fame, not least his waltz melody “On the Beautiful Blue Danube”, which has helped him achieve international fame to this day. The section contains the legend CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF JOHANN STRAUSS 1825 - 1925 VIENNA.
The bronze portrait medal by Arnold Hartig (1878-1972) was created to mark the 50th anniversary of the composer's death in 1949. The obverse shows a portrait of the musician with his curly hair combed back and moustache in a bourgeois suit with a neck tie. The signature A. HARTIG is recognisable on the lower section of the shoulder. On the reverse is the multi-line legend DEM UNSTERBLICHEN WALZERKÖNIG ZUR 50. WIEDERKEHR SEINES TODESTAGES 3. JUNI 1949.
Due to the recent date of origin, both images can currently only be shown online in IKMK to a limited extent. The originals are on display in the showcase!
Image: Josef Tautenhayn the Younger (1868-1962), Medal for his 100th birthday, 1925, bronze, MK 15729/1914B
