Physical Description

A smooth oval medal with a raised edge, constructed of gold. The medal is surrounded by a laurel wreath tied multiple times by a ribbon. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst with the circular inscription ‘WILHELM ERNST GROSSHERZOG VON SACHSEN’, surrounded by a pearled line, and with a small six-sided star at the bottom. At the bottom is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘A. KRÜGER F.’. The reverse features the inscription ‘FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT’ (‘for arts and science’) with a large six-sided star underneath, all inside a pearled line. On a loop for suspension, on a red ribbon.

History

The Decoration for Art and Science was originally founded by Grand Duke Carl Alexander, and it was awarded in recognition of meritorious service and achievements within the fields of art and science.

The Type II medals were instituted with a new form by Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst on April 16, 1902.