Portrait Medal of King Leopold II, Commemorating the World Exhibition of Antwerp in 1885, 1885

The 1885 World's Fair in Antwerp was not only a first for Antwerp but also for Belgium, as it was the first time this event was held in our country. The prestige of such exhibitions was particularly important for the economy and trade. It was only towards the end of the century that the arts received more attention. For the emerging medal art, it was a must to immortalise these great events with all kinds of medals. The most famous designers were therefore approached, such as Wyon in London in 1862 and Ponscarme in Paris in 1867. Belgium did not want to be outdone and chose Charles Wiener, who made a medal with the image of King Leopold II.