CHARLES HENRY MARCELLIS: STOCK EXCHANGE AT ANTWERP

WIENER, Léopold & Jacques: Belgium, 1854 , Bronze, 60 mm
Obv: Bust of Marcellis (l) À CHARLES MARCELLIS LE COMMERCE D'ANVERS
Rev: Interior view of bourse at Antwerp CONVERTURE DE LA BOURSE D'ANVERS DÉCISION DU CONSEIL COMMUNAL DU 27 JUILLET 1850
Signed: LEOPOLD WIENER F. / J^ES WIENER F.
Ref: Van Hoydonck 117; Forrer VI, 488, 493; Eidlitz 115/680; Reinecke 147; Ross M141; Weiss BW677

Charles Henry Marcellis (1798-1864) was born in Antwerp, Belgium. He studied law and letters, then became active as writer, lawyer and publicist. Later he studied architecture and engineering and devoted his legal and literary talents to the industrial conditions of Belgium. In 1846 the iron bridge over the river Escaut at Ghent was constructed from his plans, a notable engineering feat at that time as it marked the substitution of iron for wood or stone. Marcellis also invented a mechanical device for emptying the large dry dock at Antwerp, and designed the roof of the stock exchange in that city, the latter work commemorated by this medal. (From Eidlitz)