In Honor of the Surgical and Pathological Discoveries of Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, Bart., Sergeant-Surgeon to George IV, William IV, and Victoria (1783–1862) by William Wyon

In Honor of the Surgical and Pathological Discoveries of Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, Bart., Sergeant-Surgeon to George IV, William IV, and Victoria (1783–1862)

William Wyon · 1841

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“This striking bronze medal honors Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, a leading surgeon, with a classically styled portrait and an allegorical scene celebrating medical discovery.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This bronze medal, created in 1841, is a commemorative tribute to Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, a prominent surgeon and pathologist of his time. On one side, Brodie is depicted in a dignified profile, his features rendered with a classical precision that was a hallmark of medal engraving in the mid-19th century. The reverse side features an allegorical scene: a seated female figure, representing perhaps the pursuit of knowledge or medicine, gestures toward a caduceus, a traditional symbol of healing. The overall composition reflects the era's reverence for scientific advancement and the recognition of individuals who pushed the boundaries of medical understanding. The choice of bronze, a durable and noble material, underscores the lasting impact of Brodie's contributions to surgery and pathology, marking him as a figure worthy of enduring honor.

DETAILS
Artist
William Wyon
Date
1841
Medium
Bronze
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Diameter: 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Collection
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Culture
British, London
Credit line
Rogers Fund, 1908
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

In Honor of the Surgical and Pathological Discoveries of Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, Bart., Sergeant-Surgeon to George IV, William IV, and Victoria (1783–1862)
01

The detailed profile of Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie on the obverse.

02

The classical drapery and pose of the allegorical figure on the reverse.

03

The caduceus symbol, entwined with serpents, held by the figure.

04

The Latin inscription encircling Brodie's portrait.

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THE ARTIST

William Wyon

1795–1851 · British Empire

William Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, left an indelible mark on British coinage and even the world's first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black.

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