Medal Awarded by the International Exhibition of Art in Munich to Willem Witsen 1913

This is a gold medal awarded by the International Exhibition of Art in Munich to Willem Witsen, made by Alois Börsch in 1913. The process of creating something small like this is just mind-blowing to me. The surface is perfectly smooth, which highlights every tiny detail. Look at how the laurel leaves are cut, and the way the light catches the raised lettering around the edge. Each mark is crisp and deliberate. It makes me think about the control needed to create something so precise and enduring. The gold has a warm glow, and the simple design of leaves and text gives it a timeless feel. It reminds me a little bit of some of the work of Gustav Klimt, especially his use of gold leaf. There is something incredibly special about art that captures a moment in time and continues to be beautiful and relevant.