Linnaean Tercentenary Medal
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2007
This circular struck bronze medal commemorates the tercentenary of the birth of Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. It was designed by British artist Felicity Powell and manufactured in Great Britain in 2007 by Thomas Fattorini Ltd.
The obverse design is based on a 1732 drawing made by Linnaeus during his expedition to Lapland, depicting the plant Andromeda glaucophylla alongside an allegorical depiction of the mythological maiden Andromeda chained to a rock with a sea creature nearby. Inscriptions frame this scene around the rim and beneath the figures. The medal's reverse is modelled on an illustration by Ehret for Linnaeus's 1735 publication 'Systema Naturae'. It illustrates Linnaeus's classification system grouping plants into twenty-four classes based on floral sexual organs, arranged in a spiral emerging from a profile of Linnaeus.
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
Commissioned by the Linnean Society of London to mark the 300th anniversary of Carl Linnaeus's birth in 1707, the Linnaean Tercentenary Medal was produced in both silver and bronze editions totaling 300 pieces. While the silver medal was designated for individuals recognized for advancing the understanding of the natural world and biodiversity, the bronze medal was awarded to Fellows of the Society in recognition of their assistance and work. Founded in 1788, the Linnean Society has held Linnaeus's library and natural history collections since 1829.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Struck bronze
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Powell, Felicity; Thomas Fattorini Ltd
- Place recorded
- Great Britain
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Linnaean Tercentenary Medal
- Museum object number
- A.2:1, 2-2009
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.