James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)

Curator: Charles Calverley created this bronze medal to commemorate James Russell Lowell. The medal measures just under 7 inches in diameter. What strikes you most about it? Editor: Its solemnity, definitely. The patina lends a gravity, and the bas-relief emphasizes Lowell’s stern, unwavering gaze. It’s powerful, almost intimidating. Curator: Lowell, an abolitionist and anti-imperialist, was a prominent voice against injustice. The Latin inscriptions around his portrait speak to his enduring legacy of wisdom and honor. Editor: The meticulous details of his beard and the lettering showcase Calverley’s mastery of form. The very material, bronze, also lends a sense of permanence to Lowell’s image. Curator: Absolutely. Lowell's social critique is timeless. Seeing him immortalized like this invites us to reflect on the continued relevance of his thought. Editor: Agreed. It is a striking example of how form can embody the weight of historical and social ideals.