João Duarte (b. 1952) is one of Portugal’s foremost medallists. He graduated in sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon in 1978, where he is now associate professor. In addition to his distinguished career as a teacher, he is the author of forty-five public art works, more than 130 medals, and twelve commemorative coins for the Portuguese Mint. He has participated in countless individual and group exhibitions of sculpture and medals, and is represented in several national and international collections. His achievements were celebrated in 2010 with an exhibition at the Portuguese Mint, Lisbon, entitled João Duarte Rectrospectiva. 30 anos. Medalhas / Moedas. In 2011 the American Numismatic Society presented him with the J. Sanford Saltus Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Art of the Medal, the most recent of many awards and prizes he has received over the years. He is a regular speaker at FIDEM congresses. His BAMS medal takes its title from the Latin word for ‘house’. The artist writes: Perhaps I’ll be back at the domus, even before the day is done. Whatever is meant to be, let it happen. I let the wind lead me to the domus. However, I will always remain in my corner inside the domus. Because the domus surrounds me always. The steps of life lead to new bindings, because in every beginning there is a charm, which protects us and helps us to live. Step by step we climb and grow.
Domus, Domus
Domus, Domus
By: João Duarte, 2012
Medium: fabricated bronze and stainless steel
Size: 80mm
Cast by: Indugrave (Gravarte)
Issue: The Medal, no 60 (Spring 2012)
Edition: 54