France - Artist's collection OSCAR ROTY (1846 - 1911),

France - Artist's convolute OSCAR ROTY (1846 - 1911), comprising 7 medals, 3 x in silver, 2 x in bronze and 2 x in copper. 1) Silver medal 'Canal de Suez', n.d. (around 1880), Av: The depiction of a female figure seated to the right, holding up a torch (light of progress) to the standing female figure of industry. In the background the sketched route of the Suez Canal. Rv: Um-, and inscription. Rim: 'Füllhorn' / 'ARGENT' / vz., matted work, edge defects, edge nicks, minor scratch marks, minimal rubbing of the relief, slight discolouration, approx. 39 g, d approx. 42 mm. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 is thematised. 2) Silver medal 'Médaille de mariage', 1895, Av: A couple sits opposite each other in front of a rural backdrop. The groom is about to put a ring on his bride's finger. Rv: A tree and a fountain with water flowing into a lake. Cupid is depicted on the fountain with a bow. Rim: 'Füllhorn' / 'ARGENT' / vz., fine patina, minor scratch marks, small edge nicks, some rubbing of the relief, approx. 31 g, d approx. 41.5 mm. Illustrated in: Maier 2010, 98, p. 170. 3) Silver plaque 'Assemblée générale des actionnaires de la Compagnie Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée', n.d. (1901), Av: A female figure, led by a genius, meets the personifications of Paris and Lyon. In the background Paris with railway station, Pantheon, Notre Dame and the city coat of arms. Rv: Depiction of the Gare de Lyon, designed by Marius Toudoire for the 1900 World Exhibition. edge: 'Füllhorn' / 'ARGENT' / vz., slight discolouration, fine scratches, approx. 60 g, hxw approx. 45 x 60 mm. The Compagnie Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée, founded in 1857, issued this plaque to shareholders in 1901. A design drawing of the depicted personifications of the cities is privately owned (cf. Maier 2010, p. 178, Fig. 67). Illustrated in: Maier 2010, p. 178. 4) Bronze medal 'Banque de France', n.d. (1901), Av: Profile of Marianne with winged, crowned Corinthian helmet to the left. Rv: Two female figures, one standing with a book, the other seated. In the background landscape with river, industries and viaduct with train. Rim: 'Füllhorn' / 'BRONZE' / vz., slight discolouration and stains, slight wear, approx. 120 g, diameter approx. 68.6 mm. Governor Georges Pallain commissioned Oscar Roty with this medal to mark the centenary of the French central bank founded by Napoleon in 1800. Illustrated in: Maier 2010, 109, p. 179. 5.) Bronze medal 'Instruction primaire Education nationale', n.d., Av: A seated woman teaching two standing children. Rv: Palm wreath and cartouche with inscription to Achille Heuillard, teacher from Marne as well as date 1905-1906. edge: 'Füllhorn' / 'BRONZE' / vz., edge defects, edge nicks, minor scratches, minimal rubbing of the relief, slight discolouration, approx. 56 g, d approx. 50 mm.
6.) Copper medal 'Agents de change de Paris', n.d. (1898), Av: A genius pours coins into the casket of a seated woman, in the background Palais Brongniart (Paris Stock Exchange). Rv: Flat view of Paris, above a snake around a laurel branch and a mirror, symbols of prudent behaviour. Rim: 'Füllhorn' / 'CUIVRE' / vz., minor scratches, minimal wear to the relief, discolouration, approx. 22 g, d approx. 37 mm. 7.) Copper plaque 'In labore quies', 1890, Av: Reading woman in antique garment under a tree.
Rv: Floral decorations. Edge: 'Füllhorn' / 'CUIVRE' / ss - vz., small edge nicks, discolouration, scratch marks, rubbing of the relief, approx. 55 g, approx. 50 x 53 mm. The plaque was made by Roty on the occasion of his appointment as an officer of the Legion of Honour. NOTE: Louis-Oscar Roty (11 June 1846, Paris - 23 November 1911, Paris) is considered one of the most influential French medallists of the late 19th century and the turn of the century. Stylistically committed to Art Nouveau, he made a significant contribution to the revitalisation of this genre. In particular, Roty introduced the Renaissance-inspired form of the plaque, which further emphasised the importance of the medal as a work of art. He created hundreds of art medals, which are known for their graceful design. He took part in competitions, received important commissions such as for the Paris City Hall, exhibited at international exhibitions and won prizes, including the Grand Prix at the Paris World Exhibition in 1889. One of his most famous objects, the so-called 'Wedding Medal' from 1895, is also part of this collection. Literature: Maier, Nicolas, Französische Medaillenkunst 1870 - 1940, Augsburg 2010, pp. 162-179.