Meybusch, Anton

Anton Meybusch (1645–1702) was a German medallist who achieved international prominence through his work for the royal courts of Denmark, Sweden, and France. Born in 1645, Meybusch specialized in medal and coin production, a demanding art form requiring exceptional skill in die-cutting, design, and metalwork. His career exemplified the international mobility of skilled craftsmen in 17th-century Europe, as royal courts competed to secure the services of the finest medallists. Meybusch apprenticed under Valentin Toutin in Stockholm during the 1660s, and possibly also in Copenhagen, establishing his foundation in medal production techniques. From 1667 to 1674, he worked for King Frederick III of Denmark and subsequently for King Christian V of Denmark, creating commemorative medals and official coinage. In 1675, seeking new opportunities, he moved to the Swedish Royal Mint in Stockholm where he worked as a die-cutter. However, his career there was interrupted in 1676 when he had his license revoked for making coronation medals without proper authorization—a serious breach of royal prerogative that demonstrated both his ambition and the strict controls over official imagery. Despite this setback, Meybusch's talents brought him to the attention of Louis XIV of France. In 1681, he relocated to the Paris mint as Médailleur du Roi de France (Medallist to the King of France), one of the most prestigious positions available to a medallist in Europe. He remained in Paris until 1690, when he returned to Copenhagen. In 1692, he received a prestigious post at the Danish court with a substantial salary of 1,000 crowns per year, securing his position for the remainder of his career. Anton Meybusch died on May 1, 1702.