ANTIQUE 1915 KARL GOETZ PACT OF MALICE WW1 BRONZE ART MEDAL HYDRA GERMANY SATIRE
A striking antique GERMAN WW1 SATIRICAL BRONZE MEDAL created in:
1915
by the renowned Munich medallist:
KARL XAVER GOETZ
and titled:
DER BUND DER TÜCKE
commonly translated as:
THE PACT OF MALICE
or THE UNION OF DECEIT.
This powerful wartime design uses grotesque allegory and political satire to depict the Allied powers as a multi-headed:
HYDRA / CHIMERA
with a small Italian figure beneath, referencing Italy’s break with the Triple Alliance and entry into the First World War against Austria-Hungary and Germany.
Details
Artist / Medallist: Karl Xaver Goetz
Date: 1915
Title: Der Bund der Tücke / The Pact of Malice
Country: Germany
Period: First World War
Material: Bronze
Type: Satirical / Propaganda Art Medal
Diameter: Approx. 81–82 mm, subject to actual measurement
Signature: K / Goetz signature device, where visible
Please refer to the photographs for the exact diameter, weight, edge marks, patina and condition.
Karl Xaver Goetz
KARL XAVER GOETZ
was one of the most distinctive German medallists of the early 20th century.
He became particularly famous for his:
SATIRICAL MEDALS
POLITICAL MEDALS
WW1 PROPAGANDA MEDALS
EXPRESSIONISTIC PORTRAITURE
His wartime medals often used deliberately exaggerated, grotesque or disturbing imagery to comment on contemporary political events.
Today, these works are collected as important examples of:
GERMAN MEDALLIC ART
WW1 PROPAGANDA
POLITICAL SATIRE
20TH-CENTURY HISTORICAL ART
Der Bund der Tücke
The obverse bears the inscription:
BVND DER TVECKE
using the period German lettering convention, together with:
MCMXV
for:
1915
The title is usually rendered as:
DER BUND DER TÜCKE
or:
THE PACT OF MALICE
The design presents Germany’s enemies as a grotesque coalition united through treachery and deceit.
Multi-Headed Hydra
The central creature is a:
MULTI-HEADED HYDRA / CHIMERA
with the individual heads symbolising Allied powers.
These are generally interpreted as representing countries including:
GREAT BRITAIN
FRANCE
RUSSIA
BELGIUM
SERBIA
JAPAN
The many-headed monster was an effective propaganda device because it visually transformed the Allied coalition into a single threatening and unnatural creature.
Italy Symbolism
Beneath the monster is a small cowering or infant-like figure wearing a distinctive:
BERSAGLIERI-STYLE HAT
representing:
ITALY
Italy had originally been part of the:
TRIPLE ALLIANCE
with Germany and Austria-Hungary.
However, following the secret:
TREATY OF LONDON – APRIL 1915
Italy entered the war on the Allied side in May 1915.
The medal reflects the anger and sense of betrayal felt in Germany and Austria-Hungary over Italy’s change of allegiance.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
GOD THE FATHER
emerging from clouds above a scene of:
FLAMES / HELLFIRE
with attributes including a:
SICKLE
ORB
The composition presents divine judgement against treachery and betrayal.
The reverse inscription reinforces the strongly moralising and propagandistic tone of the medal.
Please use the photographs as the definitive guide to the exact German wording.
WW1 Political Satire
Goetz’s wartime medals differ considerably from traditional victory or commemorative medals.
Rather than simply recording battles or commanders, they often attack:
POLITICAL DECISIONS
DIPLOMATIC BETRAYALS
ENEMY LEADERS
MILITARY EVENTS
INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCES
with highly provocative imagery.
This makes them especially important to collectors interested in the visual culture and propaganda of the First World War.
Bronze Construction
The medal is described as:
BRONZE
with the dark brown patination commonly seen on surviving examples.
Goetz medals were produced in a number of materials and finishes, so any edge marks or foundry details should be carefully examined.
Please use the photographs as the definitive guide to the actual surface and colour.
Historical Context
The medal dates from:
1915
when the First World War had expanded dramatically and alliances were shifting.
Italy’s decision to join the Entente was a major political event and became an immediate subject for propaganda.
The medal therefore provides a direct contemporary artistic reaction to one of the key diplomatic developments of the war.
Collector Appeal
This medal should appeal to collectors of:
Karl Goetz
WW1 Medals
German Bronze Medals
Political Satire
Military Propaganda
First World War History
Der Bund der Tücke
Hydra Imagery
German Medallic Art
1915 Memorabilia
Highlights
KARL XAVER GOETZ
DATED 1915
DER BUND DER TÜCKE
THE PACT OF MALICE
GERMAN WW1 SATIRICAL MEDAL
Multi-headed Allied hydra
Italy / Bersaglieri symbolism
God the Father reverse
Bronze construction
Strong political propaganda content
Important First World War historical subject
A highly distinctive antique 1915 Karl Goetz bronze satirical medal, combining political propaganda, grotesque allegory and important First World War history.
Condition & Attribution
The medal is in honest antique condition with wear consistent with age and handling.
Please inspect the photographs carefully for any:
SURFACE MARKS
PATINATION
EDGE KNOCKS
RUBBING TO HIGH POINTS
SMALL SCRATCHES
CASTING VARIATIONS
GENERAL AGE-RELATED WEAR
where visible.
The medal is attributed to Karl Xaver Goetz based on the known design, date and signature.
The political interpretations described above follow the established iconography of this medal type.
The material is described as bronze based on the supplied information and appearance.
Please use the photographs as the definitive guide to the signature, inscriptions, diameter, weight, edge and condition.
🖼️ Item Condition:
This item is in honest antique condition. I’ve included detailed photographs to show the condition, size, weight, inscriptions, edge and patina, so please review them carefully before placing your bid.
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