Johann Strauss II represented in twelve objects
2025 marks the anniversary of Johann Strauss II (1825-1899), one of the most pre-eminent composers and most widely performed musicians that Austria has ever produced. The occasion will be commemorated in Vienna with a range of celebrations and exhibitions – e.g. in the Theatermuseum until August. As part of the Curator’s Choice exhibition series, the Coin Cabinet features 12 numismatic memorials to Johann Strauss presented in a special display case. They offer a portrait of the Waltz King, reflecting not just Strauss as a person but also his works and legacy.
Here at IKMK we also want to take a closer look at the medals and coins associated with Johann Strauss and will be presenting one item from the display case each month until the end of the year.
We start with a silver medal that presents the composer in a classical profile portrait. The medal from 1894 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the artist and Johann Strauss' work as an artist. It was created by the medallist Anton Scharff (1845-1903), who is known for his numerous portrait medals. On the obverse, it shows the honouree in profile to the right with his hair combed back, moustache and wearing a simple suit with a tied neckerchief. The reverse offers a view of a ballroom with dancing couples. On the left are a mask, laurel and palm branches and a violin with a violin bow, on which a bat is perched - alluding to one of his most famous operetta pieces. The legend on a banner ZUR FEIER SEINES 50 JAEHRIGEN KÜNSTLERISCHEN WIRKENS indicates the occasion. Johann Strauss received a gold version of this medal.
The medallist Anton Scharff is regarded as on of the innovators of the medal at the end of the 19th century. Born in Vienna in 1845 as the son of the engraver Johann Michael Scharff, he soon joined the Vienna Mint and, like his father, worked there. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts and under the medallist and sculptor Joseph Daniel Boehm (1794-1865) and later Carl Radnitzky (1818-1901), he worked for a long time at the Vienna Mint as a coin and medal engraver. Scharff also took over the management of the engraving academy in 1882. He was also awarded the title of k.k. Kammermedailleur (Imperial-Royal Chamber Medallist), which made him the first medallist for the Emperor. Numerous medals depict high-ranking members of the imperial family, personalities of Viennese society, politics, science, art and business. Still trained in the spirit of classicism, Scharff soon adopted stylistic influences from French medallic art and worked out the individual image by means of soft modelling.
Since last week, the medal has been on display in our special showcase in silver and bronze!
Image: Anton Scharff (1845-1903), medal to mark the 50th anniversary of the artist, 1894, silver, MK 1186/1914B
