Portrait of Adolf Meyer-Gedanensis, Numismatist, in his 63rd Year

Art Historical Context

In the late 19th century, sculptor Anton Scharff this intimate bronze portrait medal honoring Adolf Meyer-Gedanensis a distinguished numismatist from (formerly Danzig), captured in his 63rd year 1889. Measuring just 2¼ × 2 inches, this finely detailed plaquette exemplifies the Renaissance-inspired revival of medal art in Europe, where small-scale sculptures celebrated scholars, patrons, and collectors. Scharff, known for his precise portraiture, immortalizes Meyer amid a era when numismatics— the study of coins and medals—flourished as both scholarly pursuit and cultural treasure hunt. Bronze, with its warm patina and ability to capture intricate textures, was the ideal medium for such works, allowing for high-relief modeling that highlights Meyer’s thoughtful gaze and scholarly demeanor. These medals were often exchanged among intellectuals or displayed in cabinets of curiosities, blending art with personal commemoration. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1908, this piece now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, offering visitors a window into 19th-century Austrian craftsmanship and the enduring prestige of coin expertise.

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...