BRENNER, VICTOR

BRENNER, VICTOR (1871–1924), U.S. medalist. Born in Lithuania, Brenner received training in various crafts before going to America in 1890. He settled in New York, worked as a die cutter and engraver of badges, and studied at the Art Students' League and the National Gallery of Design. In 1898 he went to Paris where he studied under Roty and Charpentier, the famous medalists. On his return to the United States he was recognized as one of the country's foremost medalists. He was chosen to model Theodore Roosevelt's head for the Panama Canal medal and Lincoln's for the familiar one-cent piece, which remained unchanged for 50 years. The Lincoln design was well liked, except for the undue prominence given to Brenner's initials. Brenner made many medallions, including Amerigo Vespucci, John Paul Jones, and Whistler. Brenner also displayed a mastery of the nude or draped human figure. His three-dimensional work is less known; an outstanding example is the Schenley Memorial Fountain in Pittsburgh (1916). Of Jewish interest are his engravings of the pianist and composer Rafael Joseffy, the scholar Solomon Schechter, the painter Abraham Walkowitz, and the financiers Jacob Schiff and Solomon Loeb. Brenner is one of the few holders of the J. Sanford Saltus Award of the American Numismatist Society.

bibliography:

Catalogue of Medals and Plaques by V. Brenner Exhibited at the Grolier Club (1907); dab, 3 (1928); Kellogg, in: Survey (Oct. 2, 1915); Numismatist (May 1924); New York Times (April 6, 1924).