The Waterloo Medal 1830 - 1865

This is Benedetto Pistrucci's silver "Waterloo Medal," a circular artwork marked by its dense and dynamic composition. At its core, four profiles of men are aligned, their gaze focused intently forward. Surrounding this central array, the medal teems with figures and scenes rendered in high relief. Notice how classical forms are intertwined with swirling depictions of battle and triumph. Figures ride chariots, while others recline in allegorical poses, creating a swirling tableau that fills the circular space. Pistrucci masterfully balances the weight of the portraits with the surrounding activity, using the medal’s surface to its fullest extent. The overall design challenges the conventional static nature of commemorative art. Instead, Pistrucci infuses it with a kinetic energy, turning the medal into a microcosm of classical heroism and power. The tactile quality of the silver, combined with the depth of the carving, invites a close inspection, where the play of light and shadow brings each figure to life. Through its structured chaos, the medal invites ongoing interpretation.