In 1903, Venice hosted the fifth major International Fine Arts Exhibition. The city set up a competition for the engraving of a gold prize medal. It had to be 40 mm in diameter and the obverse had to depict an allegorical representation of Venice's glorious art past as well as the text "Ve Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte della Città di Venezia. 1903". On the reverse, the obligatory text "Gran Premio della Città di Venezia" was provided as well as a free space for the engraving of the laureate's name. This plaque in bronze (with separate reverse, see 1911-DB-2) is Stephan Schwartz's design. The front shows a bust of a young woman wearing Venetian headgear. In her hand she holds a globe on which is a figurine of a winged woman holding a laurel wreath. The reverse shows a pancarte with a laurel branch to its left and right, and above it the winged lion of Venice with its paw on two tables.
Project for an Award Medal for the Fifth Venice Biennale in 1903, 1903
