ABU DHABI: Medals, as objects of art, date back to antiquity and are closely linked to the history of currency. From the beginning, portrait medals followed strict rules: they often depicted the profile of a figure on one side and a symbolic representation of their personality or achievements on the other.
Roman Antiquity and the Middle Ages
The first medals were minted in Roman antiquity to commemorate significant events, using casting and moulding techniques. Larger than coins, these medals, sometimes adorned with precious stones and worn as jewellery, were often given to the emperor. This tradition continued until the end of the Middle Ages.
The Renaissance
The art of medal-making peaked during the Renaissance with artists like Antonio di Puccio Pisano, known as Pisanello, who created a medal in 1439 in homage to the Byzantine Emperor John VIII Palaiologos. This period saw the rise of medals across Europe, with artists like Germain Pilon in France, known for his bronze portraits of Catherine de Medici.
The technique of struck medals replaced that of cast medals.
The Contemporary Era
From the 19th century onwards, medals became closely linked to institutions and were awarded for exceptional acts in various fields: military, diplomatic, religious, administrative, intellectual, familial, or sporting. In the 20th century, medals also began to be awarded at births and baptisms, celebrating life’s joys.
The Medals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Coinciding with Paris hosting the Olympic Games in 2024, medals will play a central role. The top three winners will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, marked by strong artistic craftsmanship and symbolism.
Designed by the jeweller Chaumet, 5,084 medals will be awarded to athletes of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer.
Evolution and Creation of Medals
Since 1896, when winners received a silver medal and an olive wreath, the design of medals has evolved significantly.
The International Olympic Committee standardised the creative design from
the Amsterdam Games of 1928, choosing a design by Italian artist Giuseppe Cassioli, “Trionfo,” which standardised metallic decorations until 1968.
Each modern edition of the Games has its medals designed by specific artists and designers chosen by the host country’s organising committee. For example, the medals for the Tokyo 2020 Games, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, were made from recycled metals from old electronic devices.
Historically, gold medals were made of solid gold until 1912. Since then, they have primarily been made of gold-plated silver due to gold shortages during World War I. The medals for the Rio 2016 Games were made with about 30% recycled materials, while those for Tokyo 2020 were made from 100% recycled materials, thanks to a massive collection of used electronic devices.
Design Changes
The design of medals has also been influenced by cultural and historical elements of the host country. For example, the medals for the Beijing 2008 Games incorporated jade, symbolising nobility and virt
ue in Chinese culture. For the Paris 2024 Games, part of the medals will be made with fragments of the Eiffel Tower, adding a unique and symbolic touch.
Thus, each edition of the Olympic Games brings a new vision and a special tribute through the design of its medals, reflecting the values and traditions of the host country while honouring the history and spirit of the Olympic Games.
Source: Emirates News Agency