Sydney International Exhibition Medal 1879

This is the Sydney International Exhibition Medal, created by Alfred Benjamin Wyon in bronze. Notice how the circular form dictates the composition, organizing text and figures around a central point. The use of low relief flattens the imagery, giving a sense of depth within a limited space. Wyon employs classical allegorical figures and architectural motifs. The female figure, a symbol of Sydney, presents a shield, while the Sydney Garden Palace sits in the background. These elements aren't simply decorative; they carry symbolic weight, reflecting Sydney's aspirations for cultural and economic prominence on the world stage. The medal operates as a symbolic object, reflecting the values and ambitions of its time through carefully chosen images and text. Consider how this medal, through its form and imagery, serves as a potent symbol of a particular historical moment. It embodies the cultural and philosophical ideals of the late 19th century. Its interpretation remains open, inviting new perspectives on its role in shaping cultural memory.