L12406

/

Lot 200
  • 200

Brahms, Johannes

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Brahms, Johannes
  • Important medallion portrait of Brahms by Anton Scharff, issued for the 60th birthday of the composer, showing him facing right, signed "A. Scharff" on the obverse and with the legend on reverse: "Die Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien, Zum 60. Geburtstage 7. Mai 1893", 58mm diameter, bronze, remains of gilding, 1893;
  • bronze
together with a fine commemoration medal of Beethoven, issued for his centenary in 1870, with the legend "Beethoven-Feier in Wien XVI bis XIX December MDCCCLXX", 56mm diameter, 1870; and two medallions of Carl Goldmark, issued for his 70th birthday, signed "A. Scharff", and with the legend on reverse: "Zu seinem siebzigsten Geburtstage, 18. May 1900, von Freunden und Verehrern", 56mm diameter, in silver and bronze, 1900; 4 items in all, in modern fitted boxes

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Anton Scharff (1845-1903), was the leading medallist in Austria: chief engraver at the Austrian Mint from 1868, he became the court medallist in 1887.  Max Kalbeck describes how Brahms sat for Scharff, so that this portrait was done from life.  Only a few medallions were struck: Brahms received a single example in gold and also a handful in bronze, which he gave away to his friends. See M. Kalbeck, Johannes Brahms, IV, (1915) p.320.