Summary

Bronze portrait medal of John Medley, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne. Designed by Andor Mészáros and minted in 1940.

Andor Meszaros arrived in Melbourne in 1939, bringing with him European traditions of medals as fine art. He started his Australian career by approaching leading figures in Melbourne's academic, religious and medical communities and offering to sculpt portrait medals with the right of refusal (and non-payment) if they were not satisfied with the results. Out of 50 portraits, only one was rejected. This medal of John Medley was one of his earliest works.

Physical Description

A cast bronze portrait medal (115 mm diameter) featuring a profile of John Medley by the artist Andor Meszaros.

Obverse Description

Profile of head of John D.C. Medley facing left. Text around 'MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY . JOHN D.C. MEDLEY . VICE-CHANCELLOR. 1940' / monogram 'AM'.

Reverse Description

Profile of head of John D.C. Medley facing right. Text around 'MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY . JOHN D.C. MEDLEY . VICE-CHANCELLOR. 1940' / monogram 'AM'.

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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