Commemorative, Historical and Art Medals

France, Medals awarded to the distinguished American pianist Isabelle van Barentzen:
Conservatoire National de Musique et de Declamation, a silver medal for First Prize by J.-C. Chaplain, diaphonous muses of music and drama, the former seated holding lyre, rev. named in central medallion (Melle Van Bärentzen 1er Prix de Piano 1909), 69mm, 150.00g;
Concourse International Reine Elisabeth de Belge, 1960, a plated bronze medal by R. Cliquet, head of Queen Elisabeth left, rev. naked muse of music with lyre, named to her for ‘Jury’, 70mm;
Gabriel Fauré, 1965, a bronze medal by G.C. Revol, artist’s proof, 110mm, stamped on edge ee/200 [3].
Last extremely fine, otjhers virtually mint state in cases of issue £200-300

Aline Isabelle van Barentzen (1897-1981) was a child prodigy who still holds the record as the youngest pianist, at 11 years old, to have won the First Prize at the Paris Conservatoire. She was 11 and this medal is her prize. She had been admitted to the Conservatoire aged nine and was to return in 1954 as Professor of Piano. She continued her studies at the Berlin Royal Academy and also in Vienna. Later she taught at the Philadelphia Musical Academy and at the Buenos Aires Conservatory