Medal — Princesses of Netherlands, France, 1945-1950

Medal in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number A.14-1978), made in France, dated 1945-1950, attributed to Turin, Pierre. The museum's brief description reads: Medal, bronze, Princesses of the Netherlands, by Pierre Turin, French, ca.

1945-50. Museum description: This bronze medal depicts children, or 'Princesses of the Netherlands', as the title suggests. It is made by Pierre Turin. Turin (1891-1968) attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and studied under Vernon, Patey and Coutan, who were well-known sculptors. From 1911 Turin exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Francais, and later also at the Salon of the Monnaie. In 1920 he won the Grand Prix de Rome and in 1925 he received a gold medal.

Turin was made Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1936 and received the medal of honour at the Salon des Artistes Francais. He was a member of the Académie Royale de Belgique. The title suggests that the sitters are Princesses Beatrix (b. 1938, shown on right) and Irene (b. 1939, shown on left) of the Netherlands, the eldest daughters of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard. Beatrix later became Queen of the Netherlands in 1980, reigning until her abdication in 2013, while Irene became known for her involvement in social and environmental causes.

The museum records it as Bronze, measuring Diameter 5.8 cm. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.