"Vanitas" by Marika Somogyi

Vanitas 1986
by Marika Somogyi
SOM-113.1
Golden bronze with deep tan patina

This medal was chosen as the 113th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1986.

The obverse bears naked woman in diadem and necklace admiring herself in a hand-held mirror which forms the center hole. At right, script signature Marika 86

The reverse bears Pan-like devil drawing aside a curtain to peer back through the mirror square; skull, compass, and open book below. On the curtain, VANITAS

Marika Somogyi wrote in the brochure that accompanied the medal:

"A mirror contains an image, yet it does not. What is on the other side? This can be a very childish or a profound question."

After Richard McDermott Miller's Escape and Capture this was the second SOM medal in a row to feature a center hole.

The irregular subovoid measures 60mm x 73mm and was produced by the Medallic Art Company. Its reported mintage is 750 in bronze.

SOM-113.1
Bronze
60.0mm x 73.0mm (2.36in x 2.87in)
Golden bronze with deep tan patina
SOM - 113TH ISSUE APRIL 1986 MARIKA SOMOGYI