Medal Commemorating Quadricentennial of the Reformation
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1917
This circular gold medal was created in 1917 to commemorate the quadricentennial of the Reformation. Designed by the American artist J. M. Swanson, the piece measures approximately 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.) in diameter. It is rendered in a warm, golden metal tone with relief imagery and surrounding lettered borders.
The obverse face displays a portrait bust in relief representing Martin Luther, depicted in three-quarter view within a recessed circular field. A raised border encircling the bust carries the inscriptions "1843 - Martin Luther - 1546" alongside the hymn line "Ein feste burg ist unser Gott". The medal is also documented as bearing inscriptions around the edge reading "Quadricentennial of the Reformation" and "John 3:14:15" at the bottom, and it bears the signature of J. M. Swanson.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The medal was gifted by the Joint Lutheran Committee for the Celebration of the Quadricentennial of the Reformation.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Inscribed obverse: 1843 - Martin Luther - 1546, Ein feste burg ist unser Gott Inscribed about edge: Quadricentennial of the Reformation" and at bottom "John 3:14:15. Signed: J.M. Swanson
- Maker recorded
- J. M. Swanson, American, active 1914–1922
- Place recorded
- United States
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Medal Commemorating Quadricentennial of the Reformation
- Museum object number
- 1918.6
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.