French bronze medal of Jean Cavaillès, 1949, by René Iché
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1949
This cast bronze medal, dated 1949, commemorates the French philosopher and resistance hero Jean Cavaillès (1903–1944). The piece was created by the French sculptor René Iché.
The obverse displays a portrait bust of Cavaillès facing right, flanked by the dates of his birth and death. The reverse side features a depiction of the Greek mythological figure Theseus wrestling with the Minotaur, accompanied by a Greek inscription that translates as “And he wrestled until dawn.” The medal measures 74mm in diameter and weighs 146.42g. The edge is impressed with the word “bronze” and a cornucopia symbol, which denotes its origin from the Paris Mint.
The medal serves as an artistic tribute to Cavaillès, reflecting his intellectual background as a specialist in the philosophy of mathematics and his dedicated service in the French Resistance during the Second World War.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 146.42g
- Diameter
- 74mm
- Material
- bronze
Technical characteristics
- Production method
- cast
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Jean Cavaillès facing right, flanked by dates of birth and death.
- Reverse
- Theseus wrestling with the Minotaur.
- Edge inscriptions
- bronze, cornucopia
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- René Iché
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.