Large format, measuring approx. 17" x 19". The image is hammered onto a 1mm-thick sheet of tin. The artist conveyed a good likeness of Otto Schmidt. A plaque like this was probably part of a larger display of scientists and explorers in the foyer or meeting hall of a university or college. The plaque depicts Otto Schmidt next to the radio mast of the North Pole One scientific expedition that he organized in 1937, a station that drifted on Arctic ice for 9 months covering a distance of over 2,000 km.

In very good to excellent condition. The edges show mild bending which must have occurred when the portrait was being dismantled. The remaining nail holes make it easy to re-mount the portrait, if desired. Minimal and very mild patina in the recessed areas on the obverse adds character and a sense of authenticity.

Otto Schmidt (Отто Юльевич Шмидт, 1891 - 1956) was a man of many talents. Mathematician, geographer, geophysicist, astronomer, explorer of the Pamir and Northern Polar regions. An outstanding organizer, he set up the state book publishing and a reform of the educational system in the early years of the Soviet republic. The full list of his scientific and organizational achievements is too long for this description, and extremely impressive.

The Soviet government recognized Otto Schmidt's achievements, awarding him with Hero of the Soviet Union (1937, for organizing the drifting scientific station "North Pole One"), 3 Orders of Lenin (1932, 1937, 1953), 2 Orders of the Red Banner of Labor (1937, 1945), an Order of the Red Star (1934), and several medals.

Please note that the medal in our photo is for size reference.