Unfinished Pattern for the Official Coronation Medal of George IV 1821

This unfinished pattern for the Official Coronation Medal of George IV was made by Benedetto Pistrucci, likely in the early 19th century. Fashioned from metal, probably gold, the medal showcases the skilled tradition of die-cutting and minting. Notice the high-relief portrait of the King, achieved through careful engraving of the die. Pistrucci was a master of this process, capable of rendering minute details and textures with precision. The unfinished state of the medal offers insight into the labor-intensive process of creating such objects, revealing the stages of design and production. Consider how the medal reflects social and political contexts. Medals like this one served as propaganda, designed to project power and authority. The choice of gold, a precious material, further emphasizes the King's wealth and status. This object reminds us that even seemingly simple items involve complex processes, skilled labor, and significant cultural meaning. By looking closely at the materials and making of objects like this, we can better appreciate their place in history.