Academie der Bildenden Künste Ehrenmünze der Königl: Bayrer

Alois Stanger designed this ehrenmünze (medal of honor) for the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts. The academy operated under the nominal sponsorship of King Ludwig II, who was more interested in opera and architecture. This bronze medal was likely accompanied by silver and gold medals awarded to recognize student performance at the academy. Although dated 1879, the medal had to have been designed between 1864, when Ludwig ascended the throne, and 1870, when Stanger died. The portrait captures "Mad King Ludwig" when he was much younger and thinner than he appeared by 1879. On the reverse, an allegorical figure holds a sculptor's mallet, as well as a palette and brushes, symbolizing the arts of sculpture and painting.