JFW [Jens Ferdinand Willumsen].

Commemorative Plaque: KONG HAAKEN den 7 der LAND ROALD AMUNDSEN OG HANS 4 FAELLER PAA SYDPOLEN 14-17 DECEMBER 1911 - [King Haaken the 7th Land. Roald Amundsen and his 4 (companions) at the South Pole 14-17 December 1911].

Denmark? Strom & Comp, 1912. A rare commemorative plaque celebrating the first explorers to reach the South Pole: the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen planting the Norwegian flag, surrounded by his team, all raising their arms in salute. The title of the plaque is inscribed across the top; it is signed in the bottom right corner of the casting "JFW 1912".

The artist is Jens Ferdinand Willumsen (1863 – 1958), a Dane who was associated with the movements of Symbolism and Expressionism. In addition to sculpture, Willumsen was also versed in engraving, painting, architecture, ceramics, and photography. His sculpture 'The Great Relief' (completed 1928) is considered one of Denmark's cultural masterpieces.

The J.F. Willumsens Museum in Frederikssund, Denmark retains different examples of the relief, in bronze and wax. The wax model was exhibited in 1913, 1923 and in 1947. They do not hold this white metal plaque. (w.jfwillumsensmuseum.dk) Another important collection of Willumsen's work is in the Victor Petersens Willumsen-Samling in Hjorring, Denmark. They retain 10 sketches related to the relief. (//jfwillumsenodden.dk)

The plaque honors the king of Norway and records "King Haakon VII Land". King Haakon VII Sea in East Antarctica was named in the king's honor as well as the entire plateau surrounding the South Pole. Haakon VII (1872 – 1957), known first as Prince Carl of Denmark, was a Danish prince who became the first king of Norway after the 1905 dissolution of the union with Sweden. This plaque commemorated what must have been the first major international success since the new king was elected.

The Norwegian explorers made the more than 800 mile journey and reached the south pole first due to careful preparation and a professional approach to problem solving. "And so at last we reached our destination," Amundsen wrote in his diary on December 14, 1911, "and planted our flag on the geographical South Pole, King Haakon VII's plateau. Thank God!" Amundsen also left a letter for the King in which he recorded the Norwegian expedition's success in reaching the south pole. Besides honoring the King, Amundsen asked that Scott, who arrived after him, would forward it to the King. In Scott's words, "The tent is fine—a small compact affair supported by a single bamboo. A note from Amundsen, which I keep, asks me to forward a letter to King Haakon!".

Plaque measures 7 x 6", and is approximately 1" in relief, within a raised beveled border. The top edge with 2 semicircular fasteners. Cast from silver white metal, with the name in the lower corner of the beveled border "[Jh] Strom & Comp."

We have not encountered this item in over 35 years of dealing in Antarctic related material.
It is a fine tribute to the first explorer to reach the South Pole, created by one of Denmark's leading sculptors. Very good + condition. Item #22916

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