GOETZ: Opus 632 "Fanaticism"

cacheman

K-632 FANATICISM, 1945, Cast AE, 70mm, Incuse Edge-Punch, RRR

This medal was created in 1945 with the fall of Nazi Power. Kienast’s description has a naked women on the obverse but I tend to think Goetz was showing the German “Michel”, not in his usual whimsical pre-Reich depiction, but as survivor with long hair, a flowing loin-cloth, and walking in bewilderment over books, skulls, and snakes. In the background are ruins of Germany cities.

The reverse shows two flying eagles, more vulture-like, uttering cries (in mirror image) of “weh wehe weh” for the victims. The Legend reads: “ You did destroy the beautiful world with a mighty fist – it dies, it falls into ruins – a demon smashes it to pieces. Goethe-Faust” Goetz was speaking to Hitler.

CoinAddict

Another great piece, Scott.

Askari

Fantastic!! You could well be right about the character representing Michel -- it looks more masculine. Could it also be a Faustian character though? It's been so long since I read that, that I can't recall that much of the story.

1960NYGiants

Could the birds be crows or ravens? Another symbol for evil?

Gene

Askari

I believe they are, Gene. It would make more sense than eagles.

spinaker2000

Nice one!! I feel depressed again!

cosmicdebris

boz

Very

laurentyvan

Terrific medal Scott!

Goetz did not create an angry, scathing piece here like so many of his were; rather a sad, mournful scene of a bewildered, androgynous figure stumbling through Germany's ruins.

I am very interested in the depiction of a clearly masculine figure with noticible breasts and feminine hair-designed to represent both sexes?

oldshep

Hmmm...Goetz style but not as expertly crafted - late in his career? was his son old enough to have been working with him then?
Shep
PS - I'm not trying to be overly critical but you have shown us enough Goetz that we are able to look even more closely at this great artist's work.
S.

cacheman

Five years before his death and I'm not sure if he had suffered his stroke as yet. Yes, Guido was working with him but it is doubtful an edge punch would have been utilized if Guido was involved. Think about it, he was 70 years old and just coming out of WWII as a survivor in Germany. Many of his later pieces, particularly late WWII pieces, were surreal in subject and design and "softer" in technique. Take for instance Opus 612 below which was completed the year before "Fanaticism". The Reverse shows exactly what I am talking about...surreal and soft...almost childlike. Artists morph throughout their creative periods and I don't see Karl as being any different.

Makarovii

Scott, what's the story on the piece above? I don't remember seeing this one posted before. Thanks for posting a great series of medals, I am always looking forward to seeing your latest scans.

cacheman

Opus 612 BOMBS ON THE CITY HALL IN AUGSBURG, 1944, Cast AE, 100mm, UNC, R

Inscription on the obverse, “The Golden hall destroyed by Anglo-American bombers.” In exergue “The masterpiece of Elias Holl 1620.” 1944

Goetz did a series of "Bombing" medals for different German cities, K-605 Cologne, K-606 Innsbruck, K-607 Aachen,, K-609 Munich, K-610 Frankfurt, K-611 Hanover, K-612 Augsburg, and K-614 Nuremberg. All are difficult to attain as there are very few of them from this time period.

oldshep

Artists morph throughout their creative periods and I don't see Karl as being any different.

Scott - That is exactly what I was looking for - and that is the fascination with the Goetz posts - we have, through you, seen a substantial amount of his career and I am trying to see if I have developed an eye for the differences in his style and craftsmanship as he aged, as the world he knew came down around him - you are right , artist morph throughout their lives and that is the truth of history.
Thanks,
Shep