The Gold Medal And Its Meaning For An Artist

Usually, the words 'gold medal' are associated with the image of an athlete standing

on the first place of the podium, his hands waving in the air and a happy smile on his face. But guess what? It's not all about sport, there other sorts of competitions as well. Those who win them may not be as famous as athletes, but among those like them they are seen as the best professionals. We are talking about artists, people of great talent who live for their passions. It's no wonder then that their achievements as well deserve to be properly rewarded and awarded gold medals.

Commemorating a place, an event or a fellow human being who makes an important contribution to society and its evolution has always been an essential element in humanity's history and medals are one of the forms chosen for that purpose. In the shape of large medallions or small plaques, they are made of gold, silver and bronze, metals corresponding to the three Ages of Man in Greek Mythology: the Golden Age, with men living among the gods, the Silver Age, when lasted a hundred years, and the Bronze Age, the time of heroes. Things seem to have reversed though and nowadays we can say that gold medalists are regarded as gods living among men.

Gold medals have been awarded in the field of arts since the 18th century. They were a symbol of an award giving an outstanding student some financial freedom. The Royal Danish Academy was the first institution where this practice was born and, later on, it adopted in other competitive fields, such as writing and music. Following the pattern set in sport competitions, it's not only the gold medal which is awarded, but also the silver and bronze ones.

Nowadays, the work of artists is recognized by numerous organizations by means of granting them various awards and prizes. But how many of us are aware of the fact that there was a time when efforts were made for arts and sports to be put on an equal footing. Thus, during the early years of the modern Olympic Games, from 1912 to 1948, art competitions formed integrating part.There were five accepted categories (architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture) and artists representing them were asked to present works of art inspired of sport. At the end of the competition, gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the highest ranked of them. It all came to an end in 1948 as it was considered that artists are to be regarded as professionals, whereas Olympic athletes are merely amateurs.

Should we doubt that a gold medal has a different meaning for an artist than it has for an athlete? After all, it's a prize which rewards somebody's genius, talent and hard work. As human being is of such complexity, it takes both artists and athletes' achievements to celebrate it. The perfection and strength of the human body are highlighted by amazing athletes; while the sensitivity and beauty of the human spirit are celebrated by outstanding artists. These are extraordinary individuals and their medals should be just the same. While buying the purest of gold, the advice of the greatest professionals in the field should not be overlooked as well. In the end, it's not just the gold we buy, but also glory.

by: Jack Wogan.

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