WIENER, JACQUES:

By: Isidore Singer, Frank Cramer

Belgian engraver; born at Hoorstgen, Rhine Province, 1815; died at Brussels Nov. 3, 1899. When thirteen years of age he was sent to Aix-la-Chapelle to be instructed in drawing, modeling, and engraving by his uncle Baruch, who was an artist of considerable merit. In 1835 Wiener went to Paris for further study; and in 1839 he settled in Brussels as a medal-engraver. His work attained a high degree of perfection, and his reputation as a medalist spread to foreign countries, notably Germany. He was especially distinguishedfor his fidelity to the minutest details. The first Belgian postage-stamps were designed by Wiener, who also arranged for their manufacture, for which purpose he visited England in 1849. In 1872 he lost his eyesight through overwork, and was compelled to renounce his art, which, however, he had taught to his brothers Karl Wiener (d. 1867) and Leopold Wiener.

Wiener was decorated with the Order of the Knights of Leopold and with that of the Prussian Eagle. Upon his death the King of Belgium sent his family an autograph letter of condolence and also offered military honors at the funeral; these, however, the family declined.

S. F. C.