Wrangham Medal for Cambridge University 1842

In 1842, William Wyon created this medal for Cambridge University. It's a fascinating object that speaks volumes about the values and aspirations of the British educational system during the Victorian era. The medal features a seated, muscular, and semi-nude male figure, resembling a classical Greek philosopher, accompanied by a draped female figure with a lyre, symbolizing the arts or music. Its design is based on Greek classicism, a style in vogue at the time, linking Cambridge to the ancient center of learning and philosophy. This artistic choice suggests an explicit association between Cambridge scholars and the esteemed intellectuals of antiquity. It can be seen as an endorsement of a particular type of education—one rooted in the classics. Medals like this provide invaluable insights into the cultural and institutional priorities of the past. Through careful investigation of university archives, biographies of prominent figures, and period publications, we can better understand the historical significance of this medal.