In 2006, the King Baudouin Foundation acquired a collection of over 1400 medals in bronze and iron bas-relief. The medals are large (their diameters vary from 20 to 80 centimetres) and were made between 1850 and 1970 by Fisch and Fonson, the most renowned Belgian medal makers. Today, this unique collection provides us with an impressive condensed history of sculpture and the art of medal making in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as providing a rather complete overview of social life during the period.
Linked to every aspect of society
Medals are similar objects to coins, but without any monetary value and destined to commemorate events or famous people. This form of official art is moreover linked to every aspect of society, from sport to politics, as well as art, literature industry and agriculture.
Marie-Louise Dupont
The collection owes much to the perspicacity and passion of Marie-Louise Dupont, Director of the Fibru-Fisch company (1853-1998), who looked after this heritage with the greatest possible care. To the company’s own collection, Marie-Louise Dupont added the archives of the Fonson company that she had unearthed, as well as numerous other pieces.
Medals Department
The Dupont Collection has been entrusted to the Medals Department of the Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique. An illustrated online database is now available for those wishing to consult the collection and obtain specific information for any of the pieces.
