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1886 Belgium Dr. P.J. Van Beneden 50th Academic Jubilee Bronze Medal by Ed. Geerts (55mm) – Catholic University of Louvain

1886 Belgium Dr. P.J. Van Beneden 50th Academic Jubilee Bronze Medal by Ed. Geerts (55mm) – Catholic University of Louvain

$127.00
SKU:
C1616
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1886 Belgium Dr. P.J. Van Beneden 50th Academic Jubilee Bronze Medal by Ed. Geerts (55mm) – Catholic University of Louvain

Add an impressive piece of 19th-century scientific and academic history to your collection with this 1886 Belgian Dr. Pierre-Joseph Van Beneden Commemorative Bronze Medal.

Sculpted by acclaimed Belgian artist Edouard Geerts, this large 55mm medal was issued to celebrate the 50th academic anniversary (1836–1886) of Dr. Van Beneden, one of Europe's premier zoologists, paleontologists, and marine biologists.

Design Highlights:

  • Obverse Portrait: Displays a fine high-relief profile bust of Professor Van Beneden facing left. Signed ED. GEERTS. F. along the lower truncation.

  • Reverse Tribute: Features an upper branch wreath interwoven with ribbon banners highlighting his scientific disciplines: "PALAEONTOLOGIA", "ANATOMIA", and "ZOOLOGIA". Below is an 8-line Latin inscription honoring his 50 years (per decem jam lustra) as professor at the Catholic University of Louvain (Universitate Catholica Lovaniensi).

Key Specifications & Attributes:

  • Year of Issue: 1886

  • Country: Belgium

  • Medallist / Sculptor: Edouard Geerts

  • Composition: Bronze

  • Diameter: 55.3 mm (2.178 in)

  • Weight: 68g (2.397 oz)

  • Condition: Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated with rich chocolate-brown toning, crisp lettering, and strong relief detail.

 

Historical Analysis & Design Context

  • Subject: Issued in 1886 to honor Pierre-Joseph Van Beneden (1809–1894), a world-renowned Belgian zoologist, paleontologist, and parasitologist. Van Beneden made pioneering discoveries in marine biology and helmology (parasitic worms). This medal specifically celebrates his 50th jubilee (50 years / 10 lustra) as a professor of zoology and comparative anatomy at the Catholic University of Louvain (1836–1886).

  • Engraver / Medallist: Designed and signed by Edouard Geerts (1818–1896), a prominent 19th-century Belgian sculptor and medallist. Signed ED. GEERTS. F. (fecit / made it) along the truncation of the neck profile.

  • Design Breakdown:

    • Obverse (Portrait Bust): High-relief bareheaded portrait bust of Professor Pierre-Joseph Van Beneden facing left, depicting his mature bearded likeness. Signed by Geerts below.

    • Reverse (Scientific Tribute): At top, a wreath of laurel branches entwined with ribbon scrolls inscribed with his primary fields of study: PALAEONTOLOGIA (Paleontology), ANATOMIA (Anatomy), and ZOOLOGIA (Zoology). Below is an eight-line Latin honorific inscription:

      VIRO DOCTISSIMO ET CELEBERRIMO P.J. VAN BENEDEN PER DECEM JAM LUSTRA IN UNIVERSITATE CATHOLICA LOVANIENSI PROFESSORI MDCCCXXXVI - MDCCCLXXXVI

      (Translation: "To the most learned and celebrated man, P.J. Van Beneden, for ten lustra [50 years] now Professor at the Catholic University of Louvain, 1836–1886.")

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