The South African Medal, Issued for the Campaigns of 1877–79
1879
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 1 7/16 in. (37 mm)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
British
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Museum Accession
Accession Number
X.14.25
Tags
Art Historical Context
This bronze medal, struck in 1879 by the esteemed British medallist William Wyon, commemorates the British military campaigns in South Africa between 187 and 1879. Measuring just 37 millimeters in diameter, it exemplifies the tradition of official campaign medals awarded to soldiers for their service. Wyon, renowned for his work at the Royal Mint, brought a refined neoclassical sensibility to such pieces, blending precision engraving with symbolic imagery that honored both valor and empire. The obverse and reverse likely feature profile portraits alongside lions, evoking strength, royalty, an...
About the Artist
William Wyon · 1795–1851
British, Birmingham 1795–1851 Brighton