Geneva Collections

An extraordinary large and rare 19th century medal from the royal Savoy collection!

Italy, Savoy. Carlo Alberto — Bronze Medal 1845, commemorating the inauguration of the Sesia Bridge, from the collection of Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy by descent from the kings Victor Emmanuel III and Umberto II.

In 1845 the new bridge over the Sesia River in Vercelli was inaugurated. To mark the occasion, a large commemorative medal engraved by Giuseppe Ferraris, the official mint engraver, was struck at the Royal Mint of Turin.

Measuring 108.5 millimetres and weighing 852.38 grams, it is among the largest European medals of the 19th century.

The obverse shows the portrait of King Carlo Alberto, while the reverse depicts the figure of Fame inscribing the date, with the bridge in the distance.

Only twelve examples were struck before the reverse die broke, making this medal exceptionally rare; in fact, all examples seen in public sales in recent years were later casts.

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Maria Kiesner, Zurich Swimming Pool, tempera on canevas 2022, 130x95cm

Contemporary January - Next Friday

In collaboration with Greg Podgorski, Geneva Collections is thrilled to present you our Contemporary January. To start 2024 on a fresh note we’ve curated an exhibition featuring the works of two talented artists, Maria Kiesner and Marta Kochanek.

Maria Kiesner, known for her architectural paintings, has honed her craft for years. She brings buildings to life with confident strokes, inspired by photographs and urban landscapes. A key moment in Maria’s journey was the Villa Richter project in 2015, questioning the role of painting in the age of photography.

Throughout the years Maria’s creativity remained undaunted. Her studio, filled with everyday objects, births extraordinary paintings. The presented works transcend representation, leading viewers into a space where associations dissolve into rhythmic abstractions.

Marta Kochanek, on the other hand, paints scenes from the past, using old family photos, ads, and film stills. Merging the 1950s-1970s with the present, she expresses a longing for a slower time. Marta’s art aims to evoke positive feelings in pop art style.

In her paintings, everyday moments require no explanations. Groups of people are outlined against white canvases, inviting viewers to engage their imagination. Despite its simplicity, Marta’s art radiates warmth, humor, and nostalgia.

Together, we invite you to explore Maria’s and Marta’s art, discovering the inspiration behind each piece.

When
January 26th, 18h-20h opening in presence of Maria Kiesner January 27th, 14h-18h
Monday-Friday January 29th-February 9th, 14h-18h

Where
Geneva Collections
5 cour de Saint-Pierre 1204 Geneva

Greg Podgorki is an entrepreneur and art collector who has been living in Switzerland for over a decade. His passion is to travel through Europe in search of fresh artistic talents.

Above
M. Kiesner, House on the water 2023, tempera on canvas, 110x120cm
M. Kiesner, Barcelona 2020, tempera on canvas, 110x140cm
M. Kiesner, Stairs 2023, tempera on canevas, 100x150cm

M. Kochanek, Skates 2022, acrylic on canvas, 100X60cm