A striking 4-ducat medal.
It is the work of the renowned medalist Jan Buchheim, who was active in Silesia in the 17th century (1623–1683).
He lived permanently in Wrocław and, as Adam Wiącek describes his career, was a freelance artist. He worked for royal courts, the Silesian Piasts, and the Wrocław City Council. He crafted the dies for medals of Polish kings, including one commemorating the wedding of Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki. In addition to his work for heads of state, he also created commemorative medals for wealthy townspeople—wedding, religious, and award medals. This particular piece is one such medal.
It belongs to a group of medals featuring the ORA ET LABORA (Pray and Work) motif. Jan Höhn, who was one of Buchheim’s inspirations, also owned a medal of this type.
On the reverse is a basket full of fruit, lifted by the hand of God, surrounded by crops, and corresponding to the inscription on the obverse: DEUS ADERIT SINE MORA (God will come without delay).
An attractive piece with its surface luster preserved. There is slight chiseling in the background near the hand and a trace of a suspension loop at the 12 o’clock position, but no signs of wear on the relief.
The mark “IB” is located on the spade’s blade.
Avery rare piece.
Gold, diameter 33.5 mm, weight 13.53 g
