Back to search results

MEDAL IN HONOR OF ALEKSEI ORLOV

Creator(s): Johann Balthasar Gass (Designer)

Currently in storage


About this object

This is a copy in ivory of a personal medal honoring Aleksei Orlov for his victorious command of the Russian fleet and the defeat of the Turkish fleet at Chesma in 1770. On the front of the medal is a half-length portrait of Aleksei Orlov facing forward, but with his body turned to the right. He is dressed in the uniform of the Cavalier Guards and a ribbon, most likely of the recently awarded Order of St. George, hangs from his proper right shoulder. He holds a field marshall's baton in his right hand. On his head is the Cavalier Guards helmet, richly decorated with plumes and a large imperial eagle. Around the edge of the image is the phrase (translated) "Count A. Gr. Orlov. Victor and Destroyer of the Turkish Fleet". On the reverse is a map of the main events of the sea battle with important geographical locations identified (Natalii, Ost Spalmatore, Lazameno, Chesme, O. Gonsi, Z. Fino, Stsio, Lena, Ost. Khio). Around the edge is the legend (translated): "And Russia shall rejoice". At the bottom is the inscription (translated): "Chesma June 24 and 26 1770. In gratitude to the Victor from the Adm[iralty] Col[lege]".

Object name:
MEDAL IN HONOR OF ALEKSEI ORLOV
Made from:
Ivory, mammoth (likely)
Made in:
Russia
Date made:
After 1770
Size:
8.9 cm (3 1/2 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
36.26
Class:
IVORY
Signature marks:
INSCRIPTION [Cyrillic] "GR. A: GR: ORLOV". POBIEDITEL' I ISTRIEBITIEL" TURETSKAGO FLOTA" Front of medal, carved around edge. Translation: "Count A[leksei]. Gr[igor'evich]. Orlov. Victor and Destroyer of the Turkish Fleet" SIGNATURE I.B. GASS In Latin characters at base of figure, front of medal Artist's signature INSCRIPTION [Cyrillic] "I BYST" ROSSII RADOST' I VESELII" Carved around edge of medal, reverse Translation: "And Russia Shall Rejoice" INSCRIPTION [Cyrillic] NATALII; OST. SPALMATORE; LAZAMENO; CHESME; O. GONSI; Z. FINO; STSIO; LENA; OST. KHIO Carved on map indicating geographical locations Translation: Anatolia; Island of Spalmatore; Lazameno; Chesme; Island of Gonsi; Gulf of Fino; Stsio; Lena; Island of Khios INSCRIPTION [Cyrillic] CHESMA IIUNIA 24 I 26 1770 V" BLAGODARNOST" OT" ADM KOLL On reverse, carved at base. Translation: "Chesma June 24 and 26 1770. In gratitude to the Victor from the Adm[iralty] Col[lege]".
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973