Study for "Flying Victory"

Art Historical Context

William Wyon's *Study for "Flying Victory (ca. 1830–40) is a preparatory work in wax on slate, measuring just under 3 inches in diameter. As a leading British engraver and chief sculptor at the Royal Mint,on mastered the neoclassical style, blending classical motifs with precise realism. This small plaquette captures a dynamic "Flying Victory" figure—likely inspired by the ancient Greek Nike—amid fluttering flags, symbolizing triumph and national pride in an era of British imperial expansion. The medium of wax on slate highlights Wy innovative technique: wax allowed for detailed modeling of fluid drapery and motion before casting in metal for final medals. Common in 19th-century plaquette production, these studies served as prototypes for commemorative pieces honoring military victories or royal events. Its compact scale belies the sculptor's skill, inviting close inspection of textures and symbolism. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, this piece was generously gifted in 2007. It offers a window into the meticulous craft behind Britain's numismatic golden age, where art met propaganda in miniature form.

About the Artist

William Wyon · 1795–1851

British, Birmingham 1795–1851 Brighton