William Bewley Duncan 1879

This bronze portrait medallion of William Bewley Duncan was created by Olin Levi Warner, likely around 1872, in New York. Warner, working in the late 19th century, was part of a generation of American artists who sought to develop a distinct national artistic identity. At the time, portraiture was largely the domain of the elite, reinforcing social hierarchies. Warner's decision to create a medallion—a more accessible and intimate form of portraiture—suggests a desire to democratize representation, even while memorializing prominent figures. The work evokes the spirit of its era, a time of industrial expansion and shifting social mores. Duncan, as captured by Warner, embodies the Victorian ideals of masculinity and intellect. Yet, as we consider this image today, we might reflect on the complexities of representation and the selective nature of historical memory. This medallion serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals who shaped their time, and the ways in which their stories continue to resonate – or not – in our own.