2013 Finalist National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Collection Highlights

Cake board
1825-1835
1937.1562
Wood
Artist/Maker: John Conger

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Luce Center

Edwin Forrest Presentation Medal

Edwin Forrest Presentation Medal
Edwin Forrest Presentation Medal
Title
Edwin Forrest Presentation Medal
Date 
1834 or later
Related People 
Engraver: Charles Cushing Wright
Related People 
Depicted: Edwin Forrest
Related People 
Draftsman: Charles Cromwell Ingham
Medium 
Gilt bronze; paper
Dimensions 
diameter: 1 11/16 in. ( 4.3 cm )
Description 
Gilt bronze struck copy of the medal presented by the citizens of New York to Edwin Forrest in 1843; with obverse showing nude bust of Forrest facing left with legend: "HISTRIONI OPTIMO. EDUINO FORREST. VIRO PRAESTANTI./MDCCCXXXIV." Reverse depicts seated figure of Melpomene, muse of tragedy, holding laurel wreath and dagger, with drinking cup and male mask at her left; surrounding legend: "GREAT IN MOUTHS OF WISEST CENSURE."
Credit Line 
Gift of Mr. James Lawson, 1958
Object Number 
INV.12837
Marks 
Inscription: obverse, below bust truncation, at right: "C.C. W. Sc." Inscription: reverse, in exergue, at left: "C.INGHAM. DEL."
Gallery Label 
Edwin Forrest (1806-1872) was a famous American tragic actor. He successfully preformed both in the United States and Europe.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.