the h c Andersen collection
Overskrift 6
My collection of art medals celebrating H.C. Andersen focuses on medals that pay tribute to the author’s life and literary legacy. These pieces depict themes from his famous fairy tales, such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes. With intricate details and unique artistic interpretations, the medals represent both Andersen as an influential cultural figure and the impact his stories have had on art history.
The collection includes medals primarily in bronze and silver, with many created in collaboration with renowned Nordic artists, spanning from the 1960s to modern editions. This blend of visual art and Andersen’s storytelling offers a distinct perspective on how his literary world has inspired artists across generations.
Harald salomons first medal
In 1927, Harald Salomon (1900-1990) had educated himself as a sculptor, and got job at The Royal Mint in Copenhagen. Tree years later, in 1930, he made his first medal, a commemorative medal for Hans Christian Andersens 125 birthday jubileum. This medal, that already show Salomon's unique portrait skills, also displays a beautiful scene on the reverse, from the fairytale "The ugly Duckling".
The medal was issued in silver and bronze, and costed in 1930 DKK 25 for the silver medal, and DKK 10,- for the bronze medal.
the fairytale series
In 1975, Harald Nyborg AS issued a series of art medals from Harald Salomon, to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the great storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. It was decided that the series would consist of eight medals, each with a portrait of Andersen on the front, and a motif from one of his adventures on the reverse. The medals were issued monthly and came with a beautiful box.
Harald Salomon chose to portray the great author in eight different angles, so that it became a series where the viewer sees Andersen turn his head from right to left. The series was very successful, and the buyers greatly appreciated this beautiful gesture Anders Nyborg AS made to honor their beloved storyteller.
The medals was issued in Platina (10 ex), Gold (100 ex), Silver (2000 ex) and Bronze (4000 ex). It is unknown how many of the Silver, Gold and Platina-sets that still exists, but they are rarely seen at auctions now. The
per ungs medal Denmark 1975
The Norwegian artist Per Ung (1933-2013) designed this year's edition of the Nordic Art Medal Series in 1975. For the Danish medal, Per Ung used a portrait of H C Andersen, and on the reverse a motif from the adventure The Emperors new clothes (1937). The medal was issued in 5,000 copies, only in bronze.
