GOETZ: Opus 39 Karl Theodor

cacheman

K-39 KARL THEODOR, Duke in Bavaria, 1909, Cast AE, 77.9mm, 201.30g

To commemorate his 70th birthday. Obverse, Bust facing left. Reverse inscription “ Doctor Karl Theodor, Duke in Bavaria, 70th Birthday 1909” Duke Karl Theodor was by profession, an eye doctor.

This early piece was likely commissioned by either family or the German medical profession to commemorate his birthday. Goetz took commissions to make money not unlike the practice of today’s artists. What is interesting about this particular medal is that it is the same exact piece that Kienast used for illustration in his Volume I reference book.

cosmicdebris

There can not be too many of this one made.

Aethelred

That is one I don't like, looks like a coin from 1950s Cuba.

Askari

Pretty nice to pick up a Kienast plate example. I think you'll do better, though.

oldshep

Scott -You mention something that I have been wondering about - Goetz had to eat and so did his medals for money as well as art and political ststement - My question is: what was his reputation contemporary with his work? Was he well known to many or just the artsy fartsy types?
Shep

Askari

He was quite well-known in his time ... especially after the British used his mis-dated Lusitania medal for anti-German propaganda. His work was especially popular in his native Bavaria, but that doesn't mean commissions just flowed in.