J-684
Order of Dert-Ilerca, 1960s
Beautiful decoration: Dert-Ilerca Distinction for Merit in the Arts. Cross and miniature. 1960s
Vintage Dert-Ilerca Order of Merit, Neck Cross and Miniature, 1960s
Set consisting of the neck cross and its miniature belonging to the Dert-Ilerca Order of Merit, a Catalan distinction created to recognize excellence in the arts. The main cross features a five-pointed enameled star, with a ship in relief at its center surrounded by the inscription "Dert-Ilerca - For Merit," which refers to the values of knowledge, art, and Mediterranean culture.
The design is completed with laurel motifs and a crown, elements that symbolize honor and nobility. The cross hangs from a red neck ribbon, while the miniature faithfully reproduces the same details on a smaller scale, making it ideal for less formal occasions. Both pieces are in excellent condition and stand out for their harmonious aesthetics, vibrant colors, and refined symbolism.
This is a rare decoration, highly prized among collectors of 20th-century civilian medals. It is perfect for completing a collection or for displaying in a showcase or decorative display. A piece with character, history, and elegance-hard to find in this condition.
A unique opportunity to acquire a gem of Catalan artistic recognition.
Dimensions: 6.4 cm x 5.1 cm (2.52 in x 2.00 in) - Miniature: 2.0 cm x 1.6 cm (0.79 in x 0.63 in)
History of the Order of Dert-Ilerca
The Order of Dert-Ilerca is a Catalan civilian decoration linked to the recognition of merit in the arts. Its name refers to two historic cities in the province of Tarragona: Dertosa, the ancient Roman name for Tortosa, and Ilercavonia, an Iberian region that gave its name to the Ilergetes. These references give the award a deeply identity-based character, rooted in the cultural tradition of Catalonia. Although there are no comprehensive records of its conferral, it is known that this distinction was awarded during solemn ceremonies to individuals who had made a notable contribution to the arts, culture, or the promotion of the region's heritage.
The symbolism of the ship is a common motif in the Mediterranean imagination, used to represent knowledge, exploration, cultural openness, and the spirit of self-improvement. Its use on this medal reinforces that connection with art as a journey, with merit as the path, and with the distinction as the goal achieved. The choice of the laurel as a decorative element also ties in with the Greco-Roman tradition, in which laureates were victors, sages, and artists.
These medals were produced in limited quantities using artisanal techniques, which explains their rarity on the market today. The aesthetic is reminiscent of the most classic orders of merit, yet it possesses a distinct character defined by its colors and regional design. In the 1960s, when it was created, there was a movement to revive and honor Catalan cultural values, and this medal can also be interpreted as part of that movement. Today, pieces like this are coveted both for their symbolic value and their artistic quality.
Set consisting of the neck cross and its miniature belonging to the Dert-Ilerca Order of Merit, a Catalan distinction created to recognize excellence in the arts. The main cross features a five-pointed enameled star, with a ship in relief at its center surrounded by the inscription "Dert-Ilerca - For Merit," which refers to the values of knowledge, art, and Mediterranean culture.
The design is completed with laurel motifs and a crown, elements that symbolize honor and nobility. The cross hangs from a red neck ribbon, while the miniature faithfully reproduces the same details on a smaller scale, making it ideal for less formal occasions. Both pieces are in excellent condition and stand out for their harmonious aesthetics, vibrant colors, and refined symbolism.
This is a rare decoration, highly prized among collectors of 20th-century civilian medals. It is perfect for completing a collection or for displaying in a showcase or decorative display. A piece with character, history, and elegance-hard to find in this condition.
A unique opportunity to acquire a gem of Catalan artistic recognition.
Dimensions: 6.4 cm x 5.1 cm (2.52 in x 2.00 in) - Miniature: 2.0 cm x 1.6 cm (0.79 in x 0.63 in)
History of the Order of Dert-Ilerca
The Order of Dert-Ilerca is a Catalan civilian decoration linked to the recognition of merit in the arts. Its name refers to two historic cities in the province of Tarragona: Dertosa, the ancient Roman name for Tortosa, and Ilercavonia, an Iberian region that gave its name to the Ilergetes. These references give the award a deeply identity-based character, rooted in the cultural tradition of Catalonia. Although there are no comprehensive records of its conferral, it is known that this distinction was awarded during solemn ceremonies to individuals who had made a notable contribution to the arts, culture, or the promotion of the region's heritage.
The symbolism of the ship is a common motif in the Mediterranean imagination, used to represent knowledge, exploration, cultural openness, and the spirit of self-improvement. Its use on this medal reinforces that connection with art as a journey, with merit as the path, and with the distinction as the goal achieved. The choice of the laurel as a decorative element also ties in with the Greco-Roman tradition, in which laureates were victors, sages, and artists.
These medals were produced in limited quantities using artisanal techniques, which explains their rarity on the market today. The aesthetic is reminiscent of the most classic orders of merit, yet it possesses a distinct character defined by its colors and regional design. In the 1960s, when it was created, there was a movement to revive and honor Catalan cultural values, and this medal can also be interpreted as part of that movement. Today, pieces like this are coveted both for their symbolic value and their artistic quality.
