George Washington 1878

This bronze medal of George Washington was produced by F. C. Key & Sons. Its circular form and the relief-sculpted portrait immediately suggest notions of completeness and authority. The figure emerges from the flat surface, engaging the viewer directly, the incised lettering, framing the effigy, anchors the composition, reinforcing a sense of order and containment. Consider how the choice of bronze affects our interpretation. The material itself –its color and texture – speaks to the permanence and value associated with historical commemoration. The circular format invites us to consider this object not just as a portrait but as a symbol—a kind of emblem. It echoes ancient coins and medallions used to immortalize rulers and signify power. The tactile quality of the bronze, combined with the raised relief, also encourages a haptic experience. This allows us to engage with the image not only visually but also sensually, tracing the contours of Washington’s face, and feeling the weight and texture of history itself. The medal serves as both an aesthetic object and a potent signifier.