Summary

Prize medal for Music, France, circa 1890, by artist Alphee Dubois. Awarded by Ministere de l'Instruction Publique et des Beaux-Arts. This medal was un-issued.

Mint: not recorded.

Physical Description

Round bronze medal.

Obverse Description

Obverse depicts a nude laureate youth playing the violin or viola. He is seated on a plinth inscribed with the artist's name. In the background are six robed female figures who are the Muses, as they hold objects representing the arts. Melpomene was the Muse of tragedy. She is shown holding a tragic mask, the club of Hercules, and a wreath or vine leaves. The setting is a forest with a temple facade to the left [it represents the Classical period, although the violin was not invented at that time].

Reverse Description

Reverse is blank in the centre for the prize-winner's name, with a lyre and palm frond at top. Decorative border with inscription around.

Edge Description

Plain

More Information