Medal innovations

In the 19th century academic art came to a standstill, leading to a decline in quality in medal art, at least until the freer compositions of the Art Nouveau movement reinvigorated the genre. The casting technique was revived and the boundaries between medals and sculptural work became more fluid.

The most prominent Swiss medallist of the time was Hans Frei (1868–1948) of Basel, who not only created medals and sculptures but also pewter ware and jewellery.

In the 20th century medal production experienced a split: on the one hand, the mass manufacture of unimposing medals and badges in sports and advertising, on the other, the emergence of sophisticated art medals in limited editions. With regard to the latter, medal societies organize competitions and issue commissions to renowned sculptors and engravers up to this day.