Award of the Massachusetts Humane Society
19th century
Medium
Bronze, struck
Dimensions
Diam. 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
British
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick S. Wait, 1907
Accession Number
07.288.9
Tags
Art Historical Context
This bronze medal, struck in the 19th century by British artist Benjamin Wyon, represents a fine example of the medallic art tradition. Measuring just over two inches in diameter, it was created through the precise technique of striking, which allows for sharp, detailed relief on durable metal. Wyon, part of a distinguished family of engravers and medallists, brought refined craftsmanship to such works, blending portraiture and symbolic scenes in a compact format suited for awards and commemoration. The medal’s imagery, including houses, hands, and ships, evokes themes of rescue and human con...
About the Artist
Benjamin Wyon · 1802–1858
British, London 1802–1858 London