Medal of Major General Andrew Jackson

Art Historical Context

This bronze medal, crafted by engraver Moritz Fürst between1800 and 1830, honors Major General Andrew Jackson, celebrated American military leader who rose to fame during the War of 1812. Measuring just 2½ inches in diameter, it Jackson in a classic profile portrait—a hallmark of commemorative medals that evoke ancient Roman coins, blending classical artistry with modern heroism. Fürst, known for his precise metalwork, likely struck this piece using engraving techniques to create a durable, intimate token of national pride. Historically, the medal reflects Jackson's pivotal role in battles like New Orleans in 1815, which cemented his status as a folk hero and paved the way for his presidency in 1829. Produced during this formative era of American identity, such medals were popular collectibles, worn as jewelry or displayed as patriotic emblems, symbolizing the young republic's martial spirit. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing as a gift from William H. Huntington in 1883, this artifact offers a tangible glimpse into early 19th-century American culture, where portrait medals bridged fine art and everyday commemoration. Visitors will appreciate its subtle gleam and the enduring legacy it enshrines.

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...