Medal of Major General William H. Harrison 1818

This bronze medal of Major General William H. Harrison was made by Moritz Fürst, a Hungarian-American medalist, using a process that likely involved die-striking. The medal's warm, reddish-brown hue and the smooth, reflective surface speak to the inherent qualities of the bronze alloy. The process involved creating a detailed design on a hardened steel die, which was then used to impress the image onto a blank metal disc with considerable force. This process ensured uniformity but also required skilled craftsmanship to create the original die. Notice the amount of work involved in the details of Harrison's hair, his uniform, and the lettering around the perimeter. Medals like this one were often commissioned to commemorate significant events or honor individuals, and they functioned as a form of propaganda, helping to shape public opinion. This medal's production reflects both artistic skill and the social values of its time. The act of striking this medal speaks to the political and social landscape in which it was created, blurring the lines between art, craft, and historical record.