Historical medallion|Commemorative medal

Influenced by the fashion for medals spread across Europe in the 15th century, Pomeranian dukes ordered them from foreign masters in Berlin, Augsburg or Nuremberg. Medals with dukes' images, called Gnadenpfennige or Gnadenmedaillen, became a popular form of a gift. Traditionalism and schematism dominated iconography; on the front side, there was a bust of the ruler, on the backside - a large coat of arms of West Pomerania. The heraldic motif on the sides of the shield, depicting wild men with maces, is very characteristic of Pomeranian iconography. The keepers, referring to Germanic folk beliefs, resembled their mythical ancestor, the hero Hercules, in the Renaissance period, which significantly increased the family's prestige. The gold medallion with the image of Duke Bogislaw XIV is characterised by remarkable realism and decorativeness. Four eight-petalled rosettes are placed in an open-work frame with floral and pincushion motifs. The petals of the rosettes are alternately enamelled black and left in the colour of gold. Ears are at the top and bottom, while at the side edges, small holes probably served to suspend the pearls. The bust of the ruler en trois quarts differs from traditional profile images placed on coins. The head was meticulously worked out - the hair on the sides is slightly scattered, and the moustache and long thick beard are fancifully arranged. A minor drawback is the shield holders, which resemble childish figures rather than wild men. The gold medallion was bought to the museum collection in Szczecin in 1883. Already then, it was described as a unique item of the highest class and value.

Genowefa Horoszko