1859, Germany. THE WALHALLA. By Jacques Wiener. Bronze 59mm. Hoydonck 95, Reinecke 95. $275. Sorry, SOLD (January, 2020)

Jacques Wiener, whose given name was Jacob, was born on March 2, 1815, at Hoerstgen (Rhine Province) to Hungarian parents. He seems to have started using Jacques as his name when he moved to Belgium. At the age of 13 he went to live with his uncle Baruth, an artist, and studied drawing, modelling and engraving. In 1835 he moved to Paris to perfect his skills and in 1839 moved to Brussels, where he established himself as an engraver. He became a naturalized Belgian in 1845. He created an extensive body of medals and is best known for his finely detailed architectural medals, especially his series of Most Remarkable Edifices. He is also widely known for engraving the first Belgian postage stamp. Wiener died in Brussels in 1899.