A rare and impressive commemorative medal of Johann Sigismund von Haunold (1634–1711), President of the Estates of Breslau and long-serving city councillor, struck in 1710 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his senatorial service.
Johann Sigismund von Haunold was one of the most prominent representatives of the Wrocław patriciate at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. For decades he was associated with the municipal authorities of Breslau, holding senior administrative and representative offices. The jubilee marking fifty years of his senatorial service was commemorated with this impressive medal, issued in the 76th year of Haunold’s life.
The portrait was created by Heinrich Ehrenreich, a medallist active in Wrocław at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, whose initials H.E. appear on the truncation of the bust.
An interesting example of Silesian Baroque medallic art, reflecting both the importance of the Breslau patriciate.
Obverse: bust of Iohann Sigismund von Haunold, right, on the cut of the arm signature HE (Heinrich Ehrenreich), in the section an inscription in three lines ANN ÆTATIS LXXVI / SENATORII MUNERIS / L
IO SIGISM AB HAUNOLD SC MAI CONSIL REIP WRATISL PRAESES
Reverse: family coat of arms of Johann Sigismund von Haunold, decorated with a helmet with a jewel in the form of a winged hand holding a sabre, at the bottom the signature IK, in the section M. DCC. X.
DEO CÆSARI PATRIA FIDUS
Silver, diameter 45 mm, weight 29.34 g
