John Medley portrait medal, 1942

Andor Meszaros was one of many Europeans who sought refuge in Australia at the outbreak of World War Two. Although classified as an enemy alien and restricted in his movement about the country, he sought out artistic commissions, such as this portrait medal of Vice-Chancellor John Medley of the University of Melbourne.

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Obverse – Head of John Medley by Andor Meszaros. Around it is the legend JOHN D.C. MEDLEY VICE-CHANCELLOR MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY.

Transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976