An impressive, personalized award medal of the Italian magazine “Scena Illustrata”, presented to Jan Kalkowski, a Polish journalist, publicist and press scholar, and long-time editor of the weekly magazine “Przekrój”.
“Scena Illustrata” was an Italian cultural magazine with a tradition dating back to the 19th century. Its editorial board presented international awards to distinguished figures from the worlds of culture, science, literature and public life. Polish recipients of “Scena Illustrata” awards included Aleksander Krawczuk and Ludwik Jerzy Kern, who, like Kalkowski, were associated with the Kraków-based “Przekrój” milieu.
Jan Kalkowski (1921–1989) was a journalist, publicist and press scholar who was associated for many years with the editorial staff of “Przekrój”, where he served, among other positions, as deputy editor-in-chief. He was also active within Kraków’s press research community and was among the co-founders of the Press Research Centre.
The obverse depicts an allegorical winged female figure holding a laurel wreath and a scroll, symbols of distinction and achievement in the fields of culture and the arts. Above, on an unfurled ribbon, is the inscription “SCENA ILLUSTRATA”. At the base of the composition is the inscription “I.C. SESTI”, referring to Italo Carlo Sesti, who was associated with the publication of the magazine.
The reverse bears an elegantly engraved, personalized dedication: “Jan / Kalkowski”.
Badge from the Collection of Lech Kokociński, Honorary President of the Polish Numismatic Society.
Diameter 46 mm, weight 37.76 g
