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The medal for the Nobel Peace Prize
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After
his death, Fridtjof Nansen's orders, medals and plaques, and their associated
diplomas, were donated to The University of Oslo Coin Cabinet. The abundant
collection of distinctions Nansen received from all over the world can
be grouped around four main periods in Nansen's life:
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The voyage to Greenland; 1888-1889
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The voyage to the North Pole; 1893-1896
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His diplomatic, political and scientific work; 1905-1920
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His humanitarian work in the service of the League of Nations;
from 1920
Hans Holst has described the badges of distinction conferred on Nansen
and Roald Amundsen as laudatory sagas inscribed in metal:
The medals and decorations bestowed on Nansen
and Amundsen bear witness to events in their lives and in the history of
their time. We should listen to this testimony, listen to what these mementoes
of honour tell us about battles and victories. Few biographies hold a stronger
appeal to the ambition of youth; indeed, they urge us all to give our very
best, each in our own profession.
Nansen received honours in the form of orders, decorations
and medals from all over the world for his contribution to polar research
and humanitarian efforts. The Nobel Peace Prize medal, modelled by Gustav
Vigeland, is considered the most distinguished medal in Nansen's rich collection. |