Summary

Medal commemorating the Centenary of Government of Victoria and the Discovery of Gold, commissioned by the Victorian Government, designed by Andor Mészáros and minted by K.G. Luke, Melbourne, 1951.

1951 marked the centenary of Victoria's separation from the colony of New South Wales. As part of the celebrations, the Victorian Government commissioned this medal from Andor Mészáros. Drawing on his classical background, Meszaros developed the imagery for 'Equality and Justice through Freedom'. The man holding the torch represents equality; the blindfolded woman holding a sword is the symbol of justice, and both are mounted on a horse that has broken its shackles. It features on the reverse a design of a pair of gold prospectors working a sluice on the reverse. There was another version of this medal which depicted a banksia and bottlebrush. The medal was intended to be presented to notable individuals; this one was not awarded to anyone.

Obverse Description

Horse bounding left, broken shackles on foreleg, carrying woman holding sword (Justice) and man holding torch (Equality); around, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE THROUGH FREEDOM

Reverse Description

Two gold miners; above, CENTENARY OF GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951. / AWARDED TO

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.

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