Isis Medal of the Society of Arts 1830

This medal, designed by Thomas Wyon the Younger, presents us with a profile of Isis, crowned with a floral diadem, symbolizing arts and commerce. Isis, an ancient Egyptian deity, represents motherhood, magic, and nature. The Society of Arts chose Isis to embody the idea of cultural memory, a figure whose origins are in the ancient world, yet whose power to resonate through time remains undiminished. This echoes with other classical revivals, where antique forms are infused with new meanings. Consider the Renaissance appropriation of classical sculpture, or the Neoclassical movement in painting, where ancient themes served as allegories for contemporary virtues. The choice of Isis connects us back to ancient Egypt, yet the floral crown is a later, Hellenistic addition, blending different cultural traditions. Isis embodies the continuous cycle of death and rebirth, resonating with the subconscious longing for renewal and transformation. It’s a powerful symbol, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The Isis motif didn’t simply vanish; it resurfaced, evolved, and took on new meanings in different historical contexts.