designed in: 2011
commissioned: Vereniging voor Penningkunst VPK (Dutch art medal association)
material: stainless steel infused with bronze
size: 50 x 45 mm
weight: 150 gram
design: computer modeling with Materialise Magics, 3D printed prototypes
execution: 3D printed, infused, fired, polished
legend: IANVS SEMPER VNDIQVE MMXI
finish: tumbled
edition: 400 pieces
extras: the medals were vacuum packed, the packaging has no value after opening
credits: 3D printing by Materialise
The second design for the year medal of the VPK is a five-faced medal to show what 3D printing can add to available techniques in sculpting. The medal could not be released from a traditional mould, so can only affordably made in an edition of 400 pieces by ‘rapid manufacturing’ (3D printing). The choice of subject for this medal is not chosen haphazardly. On traditional two-sided medals, the ‘twin faced’ Roman God Janus is often depicted. To emphasise the new technique, this design shows Janus (face of the artist) with five faces, each witha different emotion. On the outside happiness and anger, on the inside sadness and fear, while the profile face has a level expression. The credo of the artist: Janus, show your true faces!