Medal of Captain Johnston Blakely

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bronze medal, crafted by Moritz Fürst around 1800–1830, honors Captain Johnston Blakely, celebrated American naval officer. Measuring just 2 9/16 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter, it exemplifies the scale of commemorative medals, designed to be worn or carried as personal tokens of pride. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, it reflects early 19th-century American culture's admiration for military heroes during the post-Revolutionary era. Blakely's profile, as suggested by the artwork's tags, likely captures his likeness in a classical style typical of such honors, struck or cast in enduring bronze—a medium prized for its durability and ability to hold fine details in relief. These medals served not only as awards but also as portable symbols of national valor, bridging art and patriotism in a young republic eager to celebrate its triumphs. Gifted to the Museum in 1883 by William H. Huntington, this piece offers a tangible glimpse into America's formative years, where artistry immortalized the faces of those who shaped its identity. A delightful find for visitors exploring naval history or the artistry of profile portraits!

About the Artist

Moritz Fürst · 1782–1882

Moritz Fürst was a Hungarian-born engraver and medalist who became one of the most accomplished practitioners of his craft in the early United States. Born in Hungary in 1782, he acquired his technical training in European ateliers before emigrating to America, where he arrived in the early years of the nineteenth century and ultimately settled in Philadelphia — then the center of the young nation...