New York City to Col. James Duncan 1848

This bronze medal, crafted by Charles Cushing Wright, immortalizes Colonel James Duncan and his victories. The circular form of the medal itself echoes ancient Roman traditions, where such forms symbolized completeness and eternity. Duncan’s profile, rendered in sharp detail, harkens back to the classical busts of emperors and heroes, embodying the virtues of leadership and courage. The inscriptions of battle sites, such as "Resaca de la Palma" and "Vera Cruz", serve as powerful mnemonic devices. Consider how the profile portrait, a motif used since antiquity on coins and medals, evolves from emblems of imperial power to symbols of personal and national pride. These symbols create a sense of historical continuity and cultural identity, resonating with our collective memory and subconscious understanding of heroism. The crisp lettering and meticulous detailing further enhance this sense of order, reinforcing the idealized image of Duncan and his achievements.