Masonic School Medal 1785 - 1799

This bronze Masonic School Medal was created by William Mossop. Notice how the composition is dominated by the figures of a woman and several children, all rendered in high relief. These figures are positioned against a background featuring symbolic objects - a cross and an anchor. These design elements are not merely decorative; they are signs that invite interpretation. The cross, a symbol of faith, intersects with the anchor, representing hope, creating a visual dialogue about the virtues that the Masonic School sought to instill. The woman, likely an allegorical figure representing charity or motherhood, supports the children, reinforcing these themes. The textures achieved in the bronze, from the smoothness of the skin to the drapery folds, suggest both a classical and an idealized sensibility. The medal functions as a cultural artifact, embodying the values of its time and prompting us to consider how institutions use symbols to communicate their missions and ideologies.