Medal 1818 - 1854

Charles Cushing Wright created this medal depicting George Washington. The profile portrait, a form echoing ancient Roman imperial coins, immediately connects Washington with ideas of power, authority, and timeless leadership. See how the artist chose to represent Washington in a Neoclassical style, reminiscent of a Roman emperor. This wasn't merely a fashion; it was a conscious effort to link the new republic with the grandeur and virtues of the ancient world. Consider, for example, how rulers throughout history have used portraiture—from Alexander the Great to Napoleon—to cultivate an image of invincibility and divine right. This symbolic language taps into a collective memory, stirring subconscious associations of strength and stability. The very act of immortalizing Washington in bronze conveys a sense of permanence, suggesting that his legacy will endure through generations. These images, laden with historical and cultural weight, continue to shape our understanding of leadership and national identity.