In memoriam of President Woolsey of Yale University 1882

Jules-Clément Chaplain created this commemorative medallion to honor President Woolsey of Yale University. The profile portrait, a motif dating back to antiquity, immediately evokes the tradition of Roman emperors and Renaissance leaders, each immortalized in profile. Consider how this echoes across time; the profile, detached and noble, moves from ancient coins to Renaissance medals, each time carrying the weight of authority. The sharp, detailed rendering of Woolsey’s features suggests not just a likeness, but an ideal—a face embodying wisdom and leadership. The very act of creating a medallion, a form designed to last, speaks to a deep human desire to defy mortality, reminiscent of ancient funerary practices. Such a gesture is not merely about remembrance; it's a powerful, almost subconscious, attempt to ensure a legacy endures. The motif resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.