Notre Dame te Parijs

About this artwork

diameter 5.9 cm x weight 94.21 gr

Art Historical Context

This exquisite struck medal, created by Belgian medallist Jacob Wiener in 1855, captures the majestic façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Measuring just 5.9 centimetres in diameter and weighing 94.21 grams, the piece exemplifies the refined art of metalworking through striking, a technique that presses intricate designs into metal with remarkable precision and durability. Wiener, celebrated for his architectural medals, translated the cathedral’s Gothic splendour—its rose window, twin towers, and sculptural details—into a miniature format that could be held and admired up close. In the m...

About the Artist

Jacob Wiener · 1815–1899

Jacob Wiener (1815–1899), also known as Jacques Wiener, was a Belgian medallist and engraver of exceptional skill whose work left an indelible mark on 19th-century European numismatic art. Born on February 27, 1815, in Hoerstgen (in present-day Germany), Wiener would become one of Belgium's most distinguished engravers, contributing significantly to the young nation's cultural identity through his...