200th Anniversary Commemorative Medal of Abbot Mekhitar’s Passing 1749-1949 (Venice, 1949) - White Metal Medal

ANRO-1725

Obverse: The obverse features a detailed depiction of Abbot Mekhitar, the founder of the Mekhitarist Order, along with his followers in a moment of teaching or guidance. The Armenian inscription reads "ՄԽԻՏԱՐ ԱԲԲԱՅ ԴԱՏԻԱՐԱԿ" ("Abbot Mekhitar the Judge"), emphasizing his role as a spiritual and moral leader.

Reverse: The reverse depicts a panoramic view of San Lazzaro Island, home to the Mekhitarist Monastery. The inscription reads "ԵՐԿՀԱՐԻՒՐԱՄԵԱԿ ՄԱՀՈՒԱՆ ՄԻՒԹԱՐԱՅ ԱԲԲԱՅԻ 1749-1949" ("200th Anniversary of the Death of Abbot Mekhitar 1749-1949"), marking the bicentennial of Abbot Mekhitar’s passing.

Specifications: White metal, 50mm
Artist / Engraver: Lorioli / Raimondo Galdini
Mint: Lorioli Mint
Edge: Plain edge
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO Collection inv. no.

Lorioli, established in 1919 in Milan by brothers Filippo and Michele, quickly became a prominent name in medal production. Initially operating from via Anzani, the company expanded, moving to a larger facility on via Bronzetti in 1924. Despite setbacks during World War II, Lorioli reorganized and grew under the leadership of Arturo Lorioli. By the 1960s, the company had moved to a modern complex in Cernusco sul Naviglio and further expanded its operations, including collaborations with artists and collectors. Although Lorioli ceased medal production in 1994, its legacy lives on through extensive contributions to medal collections, such as the Historical Museum of Bergamo and the Accademia Carrara, preserving over 60,000 molds and tools.

Raimondo Galdini was a notable Italian medalist, primarily active during the mid-20th century. He collaborated extensively with the Lorioli Mint, a well-known Milanese mint established in 1919 by the Lorioli brothers. Galdini's work includes a range of commemorative and religious medals, such as those featuring Pope Pius X and various Italian cultural icons. His medals are recognized for their detailed craftsmanship, often produced in collaboration with Lorioli, and have become significant collectors' items, particularly within the realm of religious and civic commemorations. Galdini's contributions are preserved in several collections, including those related to the Vatican and Italian heritage​.