Austria Medal 1873 Franz Joseph I – Vienna World Exhibition - “Dem Fortschritte” – by J. Tautenhayn EF+

Franz Joseph I – Vienna World Exhibition, 1873 – “Dem Fortschritte” – J. Tautenhayn

Obverse:
Laureate head of Franz Joseph I – Emperor of Austria facing right. Around: “FRANZ JOSEPH I. KAISER VON OESTERREICH, KOENIG VON BOEHMEN ETC., APOST. KOENIG VON UNGARN.” Signed below the bust: “J. TAUTENHAYN.”

Reverse:
Allegorical composition with seated female figure at left, a winged genius holding a wreath, and two standing female figures representing progress, industry and civilisation. Around above: “DEM FORTSCHRITTE”. In exergue: “WELTAUSSTELLUNG 1873 / WIEN”. Signed: “J. TAUTENHAYN.”

Historical Context:
This large bronze medal was issued for the Vienna World Exhibition of 1873, the first world exhibition held in a German-speaking country. The exhibition was intended to present Austria-Hungary as a modern industrial, cultural and commercial power. The reverse inscription “DEM FORTSCHRITTE” means “To Progress”, and the allegorical scene celebrates technological, artistic and industrial development. The medal was designed by Josef Tautenhayn, one of the leading Austrian medallists of the late 19th century.

Specifications:
Bronze
Diameter: approx. 70 mm
Medallist: Josef Tautenhayn
Austria-Hungary, Vienna, 1873
World exhibition commemorative / award medal
Theme: Progress

寄运