Medal 1790

Editor: So this bronze medal of George Washington was created in 1790. The profile is so crisp and classic, but somehow the piece still feels weighty and imposing. What can you tell me about the symbolism embedded in this medal? Curator: It's interesting how a seemingly simple portrait can carry so much cultural memory. Think about the profile itself. The profile view is timeless, harking back to ancient Roman coinage. Why use this symbolic imagery for Washington? What associations does that conjure? Editor: It suggests power and permanence, right? Like Washington wanted to connect himself to the great leaders of the past. It reminds me that he consciously modeled himself after Cincinnatus. Curator: Exactly! The portrait flattens and elevates an individual, solidifying fame across eras and civilizations. Even the choice of bronze – think of ancient statues and lasting power. The inscription also holds power – “Geo. Washington Born Virginia” – creating and circulating an idea of his origin as essentially, inherently American. Editor: So every element is carefully chosen to build up this monumental image? It’s about constructing a national hero. Curator: Absolutely. And think about the distribution of such a medal. How does circulating an image of Washington, connected to ideals of Roman leadership and civic virtue, help to establish not only his reputation but also a sense of national identity in this period of immense change? The images, through their conscious crafting and circulation, are world-building acts. Editor: That makes so much sense. I never thought about how the physical object, distributed to many, becomes a symbol. It really drives home the point that art isn't just representation – it's active construction. Curator: Indeed. We have the symbolic Washington but also, with the medal's reach, the seeds of an American origin story.