Friedrich Wilhelm IV's Visit to London 1842

This medal commemorating Friedrich Wilhelm IV's visit to London was made by Benjamin Wyon out of silver. The reflective quality of the metal lends the piece a crisp formality, suitable for the representation of royalty. We can imagine the precision and labor that went into its creation. Silver is cast, then carefully worked with chasing tools to refine the details of the portrait and inscription. The act of striking a medal has long been associated with power and commemoration. This particular medal speaks to a moment of diplomacy and cultural exchange. The very material, silver, carries its own historical weight as a precious commodity, mined and traded across continents. Considering the cultural and economic implications embedded in its making, we start to see beyond the medal's surface, appreciating the complex relationship between artistry, labor, and historical context.