When you picture the Nobel Peace Prize, you probably imagine something dignified and formal. And it is—until you flip it over. The reverse side of the medal features three completely naked men standing in a fraternal embrace, their hands resting on each other's shoulders.

This isn't some modern artistic statement or quirky redesign. Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland created this design way back in 1901, and it's been the official look ever since. The three figures symbolize international brotherhood and fraternity among nations, directly reflecting Alfred Nobel's vision for the Peace Prize.

A Latin Motto and Colombian Gold

Surrounding the three figures is the Latin inscription "Pro pace et fraternitate gentium"—"For peace and fraternity among peoples." The medal itself is 6.6 centimeters in diameter, weighs 196 grams, and since 2015 has been cast in fair-traded "Fairmined" gold from Colombia.

The front (obverse) side is more conventional: it shows Alfred Nobel's profile facing left, with his birth and death years inscribed in Roman numerals (1833-1896). The edge of the medal bears the recipient's name, the year, and "Prix Nobel de la Paix."

Why Naked Figures?

Classical nude figures have been used in European art for centuries to represent universal human values. By depicting the men without clothing or cultural identifiers, Vigeland created a symbol meant to transcend nationality, race, and culture. It's humanity in its most basic form—three people united in peace.

The choice also reflects the Art Nouveau movement popular at the turn of the 20th century, which often incorporated classical motifs and natural human forms. What might seem unusual today was actually quite aligned with artistic trends of the era.

Gustav Vigeland's Signature Style

If you've visited Oslo, this design might seem familiar. Vigeland is famous for his sculpture park (Vigelandsparken), which features over 200 sculptures—many of them nude human figures in various poses exploring the human condition. The Nobel Peace Prize medal fits right into his artistic portfolio.

While Vigeland designed the medal, Swedish engraver Erik Lindberg created the actual dies, as Vigeland wasn't an engraver himself. The collaboration was ready just in time for the 1902 award ceremony.

Every Peace Prize Winner Gets One

From Mother Teresa to Martin Luther King Jr. to Malala Yousafzai, every Nobel Peace Prize laureate receives this exact medal design. It's remained unchanged for over 120 years—three naked men and all. That's commitment to a vision.

So yes, one of the world's most prestigious honors features three nude dudes on the back. And honestly? It's kind of perfect that a prize celebrating global unity uses imagery that strips away everything superficial.

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