Medal 1873 - 1876

Curator: This is a portrait medal by William Spohn Baker, crafted sometime between 1873 and 1876. The piece is made of metal, presented in relief. It currently resides here at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Stark. My immediate impression is how the smooth, reflective surface emphasizes the austerity of the profile. There's a formality to the subject, contained within that perfect circle. Curator: Precisely. Circular forms often symbolize cycles, wholeness, and completion. Think of a coin— it lends a sense of importance, even immortality, to the sitter. Editor: Metalwork inherently links to the idea of industry and societal value. Medals are tokens, created and dispersed through production. Who was the sitter? Curator: We don't have definitive records as to who this is meant to depict. However, portrait medals like this were often created to honor figures of authority, commemorating civic or military achievements. They're like solidified memories. Editor: It’s a statement on power. But the industrial nature of its production brings it into question—was it made to truly honor, or more for self-promotion? How widely were these circulated? What labor went into its making? I see so much cool at arm's length! Curator: Interesting point! While certainly commemorative, these also had roots in the revival of classical art, offering a touchstone to historical heroism and virtue. The profile is key, of course. Editor: That’s undeniable— profiles offer an accessible view of power. What I call it cold accessibility. There’s this inherent barrier due to the lack of emotional engagement with the direct gaze of the sitter. It makes you wonder if there’s an intended critique, highlighting the alienating aspects of leadership or authority? Curator: That interpretation adds a layer of modern skepticism which makes this form relevant today. Regardless of intention, Baker's "Medal" presents a fascinating meditation on legacy, authority, and the symbols we use to create cultural memory. Editor: Ultimately, an object's journey, its means of creation, circulation, and reception, speak as loudly as the image itself. This medal’s reflective sheen prompts us to look beyond the face and confront what exactly we are upholding in these metals.