Anton Scharff (Vienna, 1845 - 1902, Brunn am Gebirge, Austria)
Medal of Johannes Brahms, 1893
Bronze, 5.9 cm (2 5/16 in.)
Bronze medal with the obverse side depicting the profile of Johannes Brahm and below it is the signature of A. Scharff. Along the rim on the left side Johannes Brahm's name is imprinted. On the reverse side there is a botannical design that features a large leaf motif with a floral design at the bottom of the leaf. Next to the floral designs there is the figure of a bird, possibly a swan. German writing is found to the right of the botannical design and along the the left side of the coins rim. It reads: Diegesellschaft Der Musikfreunde In Wein. Zum 60.Geburts-tage 7. Mai 1893.
Yellow Room
Commentary
Gardner collected a number of medals to display within her museum, including this bronze portrait medal honoring celebrated composer Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). Through her own efforts, Gardner met Brahms while both were on holiday in Bad Ischl, Austria in 1894. Her biographer Morris Carter notes that an acquaintance of Gardner’s caught a glimpse of the two “having tea together like old friends,” and that Brahms gave her an autographed photograph at the end of their meeting.