Medal

Art Historical Context

This delicate medal, crafted by Anthony Paquet in 1859, exemplifies the precision of 19th-century American engraving. Measuring just 7/8 inches in diameter, features a finely rendered profile of a man, a common motif in medal design that evoked classical antiquity while honoring contemporary figures. Paquet, a skilled engraver active in Philadelphia, was renowned for his work on U.S. coins and medals, bringing a neoclassical elegance to his portraits through intricate line work and subtle modeling. Produced during a pivotal era just before the Civil War, such medals often served commemorative purposes, celebrating leaders, events, or institutions. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing and gifted in 1883, this piece highlights the era's fascination with numismatic art—small-scale sculptures that blended utility with artistry. The metal medium allowed for high-relief striking, showcasing Paquet's mastery of texture and depth on a miniature canvas. For visitors, this medal offers a window into America's growing cultural confidence, where everyday metalwork rivaled grand painting in technical virtuosity. A testament to overlooked crafts, it invites closer inspection under magnification.