Medal
1897 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The obverse (front) of this medal shows the Queen in profile facing left; on the reverse is an allegorical figure group with the helmeted figure of Britannia seated in the centre. Such commemorative medals were made in great numbers for sale to the public. This example was produced by Spink & Sons, although the name of the artist is unrecorded. It still retains its original presentation box. This medal was struck in bronze. Struck medals were produced from metal dies engraved with the design in reverse. A flat disc was placed between the dies, which were then compressed, so that the design was reproduced on the metal. This technique meant that a high number of medals could be made using the same dies over and over, whereas the technique of casting medals could be more complex, and generally smaller numbers were made.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast or struck bronze |
| Brief description | Jubilee medal, bronze, with portrait of Queen Victoria on one side, and a scene depicting Britannia and people on the other, made in London, by Spink & Son, 1897 |
| Physical description | Medal, bronze, struck from a die. Obverse: IN. HONOREM. VICTORIAE R: ET i: EXCUD: CUR: CIVITAS. LOND: Crowned bust to left. Reverse: FROM MY HEART I THANK MY BELOVED PEOPLE MAY GOD BLESS THEM V.R.I. In the exergue, 1837-1897. A figure of Britannia, seated, the British lion at her side. Before her appear figures personifying the City of London, Commerce and the Colonies, and behind her Industry and Progress. Signed 'Spink & Son. London'. In commemoration of the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
This medal shows the tradtional image of Britannia holding a trident in one hand and in her other hand in an olive branch, the symbol of peace. Her arm rests on a shield with the British flag. This medal was commissioned by the City of London to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, which marked 60 years of her reign.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Made in London, by Spink & Son |
| Subjects depicted | Classicism Patriotism Volksgeist Allegory Commemoration Lion (Animal) Shields (Armor) Globes (Cartographic Spheres) Saint George's Crosses Union Flag Helmets Tridents Crowns (Headdresses) Flowers (Plants) Torches (Lighting Devices) Togas Jewellery Monarchs Men Women Victoria (Queen of Great Britain and Empress of India) Britannia |
| Summary | The obverse (front) of this medal shows the Queen in profile facing left; on the reverse is an allegorical figure group with the helmeted figure of Britannia seated in the centre. Such commemorative medals were made in great numbers for sale to the public. This example was produced by Spink & Sons, although the name of the artist is unrecorded. It still retains its original presentation box. This medal was struck in bronze. Struck medals were produced from metal dies engraved with the design in reverse. A flat disc was placed between the dies, which were then compressed, so that the design was reproduced on the metal. This technique meant that a high number of medals could be made using the same dies over and over, whereas the technique of casting medals could be more complex, and generally smaller numbers were made. |
| Bibliographic reference | List of Objects in the Art Division South Kensington Museum acquired during the Year 1899. Arranged according to the dates of acquisition, with appendix and indices. London: Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Wyman and Sons. 1903. pp.277 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 2026-1899 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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