102477 | BELGIUM. Laeken. Church of Our Lady of Laeken bronze Medal.

102477  |  BELGIUM. Laeken. Léopold & Louise-Marie/Church of Our Lady of Laeken bronze Medal. Issued 1865 for the burial of Léopold at the church in Laeken (75mm, 193.59 g, 12h). By L. & J. Wiener.

 

Jugate heads left of Léopold, laureate, and Louise-Marie, diademed // Interior view of the church, from a vantage point just right of center; LEOPOLD I ROI DES BELGES / + À LAEKEN / 10 DÉC 1865 in three lines in panel to left; LOUISE REINE DES BELGES / + À OSTENDE / 11 OCT 1850 in three lines in panel to right; INHUMÉS À LAEKEN in exergue. Edge: Plain; thickness: 7mm.

 

Ross M273; van Hoydonck 212; Reinecke 137. Mint State. Olive-brown surfaces, with great brilliance. Quite scarce, especially without issues such as spotting, scuffs, and bruises.

 

From what is today eastern Netherlands and western Germany, the Wieners were a Jewish family of exceptional medalists, especially known for numerous numismatic works throughout the Kingdom of Belgium. Eldest brother Jacques, along with younger brothers Leopold and Charles, created some of the finest works of medallic art of the 19th century, and all are particularly noted for their work in the highly detailed and intricate work of architectural renderings. This particular piece combines their greatest skills—the exceptional, expressive, high relief portraits of Leopold and the intricate, expertly detailed architectural renderings of Jacques.

 

Upload: 17 July 2023.