Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia
1876
Medium
Bronze and gold leaf
Dimensions
Diam. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Classification
Medal
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Wait, 1907
Accession Number
07.288.11
Tags
About this artwork
William Barber (1807-1879), Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1869 until his death, designed this commemorative medal for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, America's first official World's Fair. Born in London and trained by his father John Barber, William emigrated to America and became one of the nation's most accomplished medallists. This bronze and gold leaf medal, measuring 2¼ inches in diameter, was authorized by Congress in 1874 and struck at the Philadelphia Min...
About the Artist
William Barber · 1807–1879
William Barber, born on May 2, 1807, in London, England, honed his skills as an engraver under the tutelage of his father, John Barber, a fellow practitioner in the craft.) Early in his career, he crafted embossing dies for De La Rue & Co. and worked on silver plate tableware. In September 1852, Barber emigrated to the United States, settling first in Boston, where he spent a decade employed in en...