Hofrath Professor Dr. Anton Drasche
1896
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diam.: 5.8 cm (2 5/16 in.)
Classification
medal
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
143518
Art Historical Context
This bronze medal, created 1896 by Anton Scharff, honors Hofrath Professor Dr. Drasche, a distinguished figure likely recognized for his contributions to academia or public service. Measuring just 5.8 centimeters in diameter, the work exemplifies the intimate scale typical of commemorative medals, which were designed to be held, collected, and treasured as personal tributes. Medals like this one played an important role in 19th-century European culture, serving as lasting tokens of achievement and esteem. Cast in durable bronze, the piece reflects the technical precision required in medal-mak...
About the Artist
Anton Scharff · 1845–1903
Anton Scharff (1845–1903) was one of the foremost medallists and engravers of nineteenth-century Austria, whose precision, formal elegance, and prolific output earned him an international reputation. Born in Vienna, he received his training at the Imperial Mint and the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, absorbing the rigorous technical traditions of Central European medal-making while also engaging with...