Silesia (Related to Latvia and Poland) Silver Medal 1736 - Inauguration of the Protestant Castle Chapel in Gross-Wartenberg (Syców) - Ernst Johann von Biron (1734–1741)

7.79g. 31mm. VF/VF. 

Medalier: Johann Kittel (unsigned). 

F.u.S. 4235; H.-Cz. 6003; Slg. Strieboll 1629. 

Very rare. 

Obv.: Kneeling female figure (Faith) holding scales and cross before an altar surmounted by a flaming heart, decorated with the letters B and W, rays descending from above.

DIES QUEM FECIT DOMINUS. PS.118.24.

(This is the day which the Lord has made. Psalm 118:24.)

In exergue:

OB SACRA EVANGEL. WARTENBERGÆ INSTAVRATA 1736. D.4.NOV.

(On the restoration of the Evangelical chapel at Wartenberg, November 4, 1736.)

Rev.: Landscape with flocks of sheep being watered by a stream flowing from a rock struck by a divine hand with staff emerging from a cloud.

ESURIENTES IMPLEVIT BONIS. LVC.1.53.

(He has filled the hungry with good things. Luke 1:53.)

Cartouche below:

ÆTERNÆ DEI CÆSARIS BIRONII MEMORIÆ

(To the eternal memory of God, the Emperor, and Biron.)

This medal was struck to commemorate the inauguration of the Protestant castle chapel in Gross-Wartenberg (present-day Syców, Poland) on November 4, 1736, under Ernst Johann von Biron, Duke of Courland and Semigallia and ruler of the Standesherrschaft of Gross-Wartenberg in Silesia. The medal reflects the intersection of Biron’s political influence in both Poland-Lithuania and the Baltic territories with his role in Silesia. The iconography combines Biblical verses with allegories of faith and divine providence, emphasizing both religious devotion and the legitimization of Biron’s authority.