The "John Horn" Medal

About this artwork

This bronze, created in 1874, represents significant artistic achievement by Charles E. Barber, a American artist. The piece demonstrates the technical capabilities and aesthetic conventions of American art during this historical period. Working in bronze, the artist employed materials and techniques characteristic of the era, creating visual effects that convey both subject matter and artistic vision. Museum collections preserve such works to ensure continued study and appreciation, providing o...

Art Historical Context

Created in 1874 by Charles E. Barber, *The "John Horn" Medal* is a finely crafted bronze portrait piece measuring just 1 7/8 inches in diameter. Housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this work captures a profile view of its namesake subject, exemplifying the era's tradition of commemorative medals. Barber, a prominent American engraver known for his precision, renders the male figure with sharp detail, highlighting the technical mastery of 19th-century American portraiture. Cast in bronze—a durable medium favored for medals due to its ability to hold intricate engravi...