History

Known as the Medaillen für Wissenschaft und Kunst “Viruti et Ingenio”, the Medal for Art and Science was established in 1805. It was awarded for services to the arts and science in a large and small medal composed of silver or gold.

Originally the medals were intended for general service, however by 1810 they were increasingly awarded for arts and sciences. From 1806 -1854, the medals were in the hands of the royal treasury. On August 24 ,1854, the Ministry of the royal house took over the work.

The medals were provided from the civil list and were paid for by a fund from the state treasury.

From 1872, award decrees were issued for residents and from 1877, the medal could be worn on the ribbon of the Order of Albrecht. From 1880, the awards were published. To upgrade an award, the medal could be worn on the commander ribbon of the Order of Merit or the Order of Albrecht, if this was expressly approved by the king himself. In order to identify that these medals were not associated with the orders directly, a dark green ribbon was introduced in February 1914. However, it was replaced by a light green ribbon in 1915, to differentiate the medal “For Loyalty in Work”.

In 1910, the medals for Art and Science were forbidden to be awarded by the chancellery, due to the lack of precious medals. The reproduction and wearing of the medals in base metals was not permitted.

The “Bene Merentibus” medal, which had existed from 1808 in large and small medals of silver and gold, came under the “Virtuti et Ingenio” medal. However the gradation was not always taken into account.

There have been no major awards conferred since 1902. In 1913, the Chancellery determined that when someone was awarded with a high ranking Virtuti et Ingenio medal, a previously awarded Bene Merentibus medal should be returned.

The inscription “Virtuti et Ingenio” translates to “For Virtue and Spirit”. The reverse presents Pallas Athene, the goddess of the alert mind and wisdom, and the protector of art.

The Type IX (1904-1918) medals featured the portrait of King Friedrich August III. This type was only awarded in the large gold and small gold medal.

The Small Gold Medal was made of 8 ducats. The Pallas Athene on the reverse differs from the Large Gold Medal. Awards of this medal did not take place.

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