In Memory of Carl Albert Bachofen von Echt 1884

This medal of Carl Albert Bachofen von Echt was created by Anton Scharff in Austria at the end of the 19th century. Medals like this one speak to the rising social importance of the middle class. By the late 1800s, the European middle class had become a major source of wealth and influence in society. As their power grew, so too did their desire for public recognition. The creation of commemorative medals such as this was one way for families to celebrate the accomplishments of their members. The medals were not just a symbol of personal achievement, they were a claim to social status. As such, they embody a shift from aristocratic to meritocratic forms of social legitimation. Historians can explore these changes by researching the social and economic conditions that shaped artistic production. By understanding the social context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of art's role in society.