“This small bronze medal offers a powerful glimpse into British imperial history, commemorating a 19th-century conflict in Burma through its detailed portrayal of Queen Victoria and a symbolic battle scene.”
This bronze medal, just under an inch and a half in diameter, commemorates the Second Anglo-Burmese War. One side features a striking profile portrait of Queen Victoria, her hair neatly styled and a regal expression on her face. Her image is framed by text that identifies her as "VICTORIA REGINA." The reverse side shows a dynamic scene: a victorious British soldier stands in the foreground, his rifle resting beside him, while a Burmese warrior lies defeated at his feet. In the background, an elephant, a symbol of Burma, stands amidst palm trees, suggesting the tropical setting of the conflict. This medal, designed by William Wyon, served as an official recognition for those who participated in the campaign, a tangible mark of service and imperial power.
- Artist
- William Wyon
- Date
- 1850
- Medium
- Bronze
- Location
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1 7/16 in. (37 mm)
- Collection
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Culture
- British
- Credit line
- Museum Accession
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Observe the intricate detail in Queen Victoria's hair and diadem.
Note the contrast between the British soldier's stance and the fallen Burmese warrior.
Look for the elephant and palm trees on the reverse, indicating the medal's context.
See the "VICTORIA REGINA" inscription encircling the Queen's portrait.
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through The Burmah Medal (1852–55), granted by the government of India, and now generally known as the Indian Medal — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
William Wyon
1795–1851 · British EmpireWilliam 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.
Further Works by Wyon
George III "Incorrupta" crown
1817 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
"Three Graces" crown
1817 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Study for "Flying Victory"
1825 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
George IV crown
1826 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Coronation of William IV
1831 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
William IV proof crown
1831 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Queen Victoria's Visit to the Corporation of London
1837 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Victoria proof sovereign
1837 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
More works to explore
Beyond Wyon: works from the same years.
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Cottage by the Roadside, Stormy Sky
Léon-Victor Dupré · 1855 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Backgammon Players
Philip Webb · 1861 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Mount Chocorua and Moat Mountain from North Conway
William Hart · 1850
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Portrait of a Woman, Called Héloïse Abélard
Gustave Courbet · 1850 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Woman Feeding Chickens
Jean-François Millet · 1850 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion
Eugène Delacroix · 1849 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Joséphine-Éléonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn (1825–1860), Princesse de Broglie
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres · 1853 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Olive Trees
Vincent van Gogh · 1853 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour's Mouth
J. M. W. Turner · 1842 · National Gallery
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys
Edgar Degas · 1860 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
A Sketch
Mariano Fortuny Marsal · 1862 · Hispanic Society of America
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Alfred Sisley
Pierre-Auguste Renoir · 1864 · Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection
