On November 18, a unique publication “The Exhibition Catalogue of V. D. Brenner’s Plaques, Medals and Coins. From the Collection of M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art” was presented at Šiauliai County Povilas Višinskis Public Library. It was published in co-operation with the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum. The publication’s compiler culture historian Jonas Nekrašius, members of the Lithuanian Jewish community, representatives of the city government and other guests attended the event.
Victor David Brenner (1871-1924), was born in a Lithuanian family of jeweler and seal manufacturer. Thirteen-year-old boy helped his father in his workshop with a variety of simple orders. At age 16, Victor became a qualified engraver. In 1887, with the help of his father, he founded a workshop in Šiauliai and worked independently. In order to improve his professional skills, in 1889 Victor moved with his parents to live in Kaunas (based on other sources – in Riga), where he was known as a talented engraver. Later on, in 1890, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York. Here he opened his own workshop, created jewelry, medals, plaques and began to create sculptures.
D. Brenner became famous in 1907 by creating the image of the President Abraham Lincoln, which was used for the so-called Lincoln One Cent. It was first created in 1909 to note the 100th birthday of this US President. During his career, sculptor V. D. Brenner created more than 125 medals, plaques, various portraits and busts.
Sponsors of the publication: U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, Good Will Foundation, Šiauliai City Municipality.
Partners: M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art, Šiauliai County Jewish Community.
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