The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals (Part I)

HUNGARY, Béla Bartók, 1958 [struck 1981], a bronze medal by A. Beck, bust left, rev. composition inspired by Bartók’s Cantata Profana; in a very modern, almost surrealistic design, a stag with high antlers stands to the right of a sheltering tree, edge impressed 1981 bronze and cornucopia, 68mm, 183.53g (CGMP p.122; Monnaie Exh. Cat. 1965, 57; Niggl 90; cf. DW 20, 417). Extremely fine £30-£40

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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DNW Auction 42, 8 September 1999, lot 1576

Béla Bartók (1881-1945) is, along with Franz Liszt, one of Hungary’s greatest composers. The Cantata Profana (the Nine Enchanted Stags) was completed in September 1930. The reverse alludes to ballads traditionally sung in Transylvania, telling of grown-up boys, having tasted freedom, transforming into stags and no longer returning home, as their antlers no longer fit under the door.