Eusebi Arnau. 5th International Exhibition of Art of Barcelona, 1907

The Catalan medal underwent an authentic emergence during modernism.  The most important creator from the period, both in terms of the quantity and quality of his production, was Eusebi Arnau [2]. The consecration of Arnau as a medal producer took place in the Universal Exposition of Barcelona of 1888 for which he made two official medals.

The City Council of Barcelona commissioned, among other works, the piece we are commenting.   It is dedicated to the 5th International Exhibition of Art of Barcelona held in 1907.  Of this medal it is worth highlighting the upper side, with the bust of the profile of a youth, with loose hair and a crown on the head, which is outlined on a background which suggests the coat of arms of Barcelona.  The allegory of the city, the Nordic medieval airs, as well as the taste of modernist aesthetics, is based on a sculpture of his from 1897 with the same theme.    

V International Exhibition of Art of Barcelona [3], Eusebi Arnau, 1907