Massive Argentine medallion: 1904, Palace of Justice
Dentuck
Posts: 3,819 ✭✭✭
I wrote this essay about five years ago. Wish I'd taken better closeup photographs
before I sold the medal.
This outstanding old medallion honors one of Argentina’s at-risk public monuments
--– the famous Palace of Justice in Buenos Aires. It was crafted to mark the laying
of the first stone, with Lt. General Julio Roca noted as President of the Republic,
and Juan Fernandez as Minister of Justice.
According to architect Fabio Grementieri, a member of the Argentina National
Committee, the building is in grave risk of being improperly restored, nearly 100
years after its construction began:
“The architectural symbol of one of the three powers ruling the nation, this
magnificent Beaux Arts building can be considered the final phase of this
architectural type, where the academic tradition reached an extreme ratio between
functionalism and traditional composition standards. All exterior and interior
surfaces are rendered with original simulated stone stucco-work, a unique finishing
technique, typical of Argentine architecture. The building can be considered the
biggest building of the country finished within this technique, that resulted from
the mix of Italian immigrant artisans and French architectural materials and
features. The restoration project launched by the Supreme Court of Justice and
approved by the National Commission of Museums, Monuments and Sites is full of
administrative and technical failings and irregularities, that will seriously affect
the integrity and authenticity of this national monument. Some few voices have
denounced this major threat and called for a modification of the project. The
Supreme Court has not answered. Representation to the National Ombudsman to reverse
the situation has not had any effect, and these defective works will start in the
near future.”
The medal features Justice as an allegorical woman in a toga, seated on a
fasces-supported throne, holding a tablet marked LEY (“Law”). The back of the throne
supports a carved medallion showing the arms of Argentina. The woman gazes at the
Palacio de Justicia in the background --– an elaborate, detailed depiction of this
beautiful building. In the exergue one can read the monograms of D. Paris Esc. and
J. Gotuzzo Gra.
The reverse shows the Argentinian arms (hands shaking in friendship, superimposed
over a Phrygian cap on a staff, with the sun rising), laurels, and ribbon. The
legend reads: Colocacion de la Piedra Fundamental ~ Presidente de la Republica
Teniente General JULIO A. ROCA ~ Ministro de Justicia Dr. Juan R. Fernandez ~ 24
Mayo 1904 BUENOS AIRES. And again, the designer’s monogram, J. Gotuzzo.
This is a massive bronze or copper medallion, measuring 65 mm in diameter (more than
2-1/2 inches), and weighing 135 grams. It was minted in three-dimensional high
relief. Its condition is Almost Uncirculated, toned with age to an eye-pleasing
chocolate brown.
0
Comments
photos and writeups of other
Argentine medals of the late
1800s and early 1900s.
DPOTD
Argentine medal hoard
And here's another Argentine medal:
1899 Silver INDEPENDENCE MEDAL: anti-Napoleonic Spain
In 1808 the French emperor Napoleon had imprisoned the king of Spain and set up his
own puppet monarchy there. Across the sea, in Argentina, some of Spain's subjects
saw the opportunity to form their own independence. On May 25, 1810, armed citizens
of the cabildo, or town council, of Buenos Aires demanded the resignation of
the Napoleonic Spanish viceroy. In theory they were acting in defense of the Bourbon
king dethroned by Napoleon; in reality, they started a provisional representative
government free of Spanish rule.
This was the May Revolution, and May 25 is now Argentina's national holiday.
Argentina was the first Latin American nation to emancipate itself from the old
kingdom.
This medal was issued to honor the May Revolution.
Obverse: An allegorical representation of Argentine Liberty, personified in
the form of a lovely young woman with long hair. Flourishes and stars, and the
legend REPUBLICA ARGENTINA 25 de MAYO 1899, with the creator's monogram beneath the
portrait.
Reverse: A laurel and ribbon design, with flourishes and a beaded circle.
Legend, EL PUEBLO COMMEMORA EL 25 de MAYO de 1810 ("The People Commemorate the 25th
of May of 1810").
Composition: Silver or silver-plated bronze.
Diameter: ~ 1-1/2 inchs.
Grade: Extremely Fine with only light cabinet friction.
An outstanding and attractively designed piece of American history!