Jiří Melantrich of Aventino was an important Czech Renaissance printer and publisher of the 16^th century. He took over a small printing workshop in Prague and gradually turned it into a big printing and publishing company even by European standards. The Melantrich Bible, probably his most important book and the basis of his editorial work, was published several times. He also printed various religious and morality books. His Herbarium in Czech and German was a European masterpiece.

He published over 200 religious and educational books in Czech, German, Latin and Greek. Melantrich’s books were neatly finished, elegant and professional, and they were appreciated for their high linguistic level and beautiful illustrations. His printing was one of the world’s finest, of high technical quality and his publishing plans were also very elaborate. Melantrich was a member of the Municipal Council of the Prague Old Town. In 1557, he received from emperor Ferdinand I a title and coat-of-arms with the Latin motto Nec igni cedit nec ferro, meaning “It yields neither to fire nor to the sword“.

On the obverse side of the medal, its author, academic sculptor Majka Wichnerová, depicted Jiří Melantrich by his only existing portrait featured on the title page of the Bible published in 1570. In the background she placed the publisher’s and printer’s mark and an excerpt from the title page of the Bible. The motif is complemented by years 1511?2011 and text “500 let od narození” (500 years since the birth). In the upper part of the medal, there is the name of Jiří Melantrich of Aventino.

On the reverse side, there are M, B, and Q, initials, big, decorative letters featured in the Five Medical Books and in the Bible. Above the initials, there is “Bible česká” (The Czech Bible) together with the year of its publication ? 1570. The motif on the reverse side is complemented by Jiří Melantrich’s coat of arms.

Limited edition: 400 pieces, numbered