Extremely rare medal struck to commemorate the magnificent wedding festivities of Crown Prince Frederick Augustus (later Augustus III of Saxony) with Maria Josepha of Austria, held in Dresden in September 1719. The highlight of the celebrations was the equestrian tournament known as the Carousel of the Four Elements (Karussel der Vier Elemente), staged on September 2, 1719 in the courtyard of the Zwinger Palace.
The tournament, inspired by baroque courtly games, symbolically depicted the struggle of the four elements fire, water, earth, and air led by European princes, including Augustus II himself. More than 600 participants and 400 horses took part in the spectacle, which was intended to emphasize the power of the Wettin dynasty and its alliance with the Habsburgs.
The obverse of the medal depicts Jupiter as the god of the heavens and patron of the games, holding thunderbolts and seated on a cloud with an eagle at his side, a symbol of power and authority. The reverse presents a detailed view of the Zwinger, with cavalry units, pavilions, and the Crown Gate, showing an authentic tournament scene.
The medal by Oluf Wif is today not only a numismatic rarity but also an iconographic document of the court ceremonies of Augustus the Strong, a testimony to the splendor and artistic opulence of his reign.
This specimen comes with distinguished provenance from the Potocki collection, with a property mark on the obverse. Not only is it rare, but it is also beautifully preserved. The details are sharp, harmonizing with the intense medallic luster. Its remarkable condition is confirmed by the excellent grade of MS61 by NGC. This piece has never appeared on the auction market, being known only from museum collections.
A unique piece that combines extraordinary rarity, superb preservation, and distinguished provenance. One of the highlights of the 16th Premium Auction.
Obverse: crowned Jupiter seated on a cloud with thunderbolts in his left hand, with an eagle at his side, a six-pointed star above, signature WIF below
CIRCI CER TA MEN ADORNAT
Reverse: courtyard of the Zwinger Palace in Dresden, tournament scene of the Carousel of the Four Elements, date MDCCXIX in exergue
Diameter 48 mm
