The Waterloo Medal 1819 - 1852

Benedetto Pistrucci, an Italian gem-engraver, worked for decades on the Waterloo Medal, which was intended to be given by the British government to the victors of the Battle of Waterloo. The medal depicts a classical interpretation of the battle, a popular method of representing contemporary events through the lens of historical and mythological narratives. But more than just a depiction of victory, this medal embodies a complex interplay of national pride, artistic ambition, and the politics of representation. The delay in its creation, partly due to Pistrucci's meticulous approach and disagreements with the British establishment, underscores tensions between artistic vision and political expectations. What does it mean to commemorate a victory through classical motifs, and how does it affect our understanding of the war's impact and legacy? The medal invites us to reflect on how power, history, and artistry intersect in shaping collective memory.