Fiftieth Anniversary of Fritz Reuter's Death [reverse] 1924

This bronze medal commemorating the 50th anniversary of Fritz Reuter's death was created by Karl Goetz. The medal is dominated by an image of an old, gnarled tree which is carefully framed within the circular form. This central image commands attention and invites contemplation on themes of life, memory, and legacy. The design of the medal is structured in three layers, each contributing to the overall composition. In the foreground we see a tombstone, marked with dates, and a lyre, an ancient Greek stringed instrument. The middle ground features the tree with its detailed bark and branches, which acts as a bridge between the earthly and the transcendent. Finally, the background depicts a distant castle on a hill, evoking a sense of history and timelessness. Goetz uses depth and relief to create a tactile and visually rich surface. The medal’s circular shape reinforces the idea of cyclical time, suggesting that Reuter's influence endures. Together, these elements function symbolically, referencing Reuter's life through nature, music, and architecture, emphasizing a sense of cultural and historical depth.