Battle of Waterloo

This medal was designed by Benedetto Pistrucci, an Italian medallist and sculptor who arrived in London in 1815. Through his friendships with Charles Dietrich König of the British Museum and Joseph Banks of the Royal Society, Pistrucci quickly established himself in his adopted home. In 1817 he began a stormy career at the Royal Mint as Chief Engraver. Strained relationships with colleagues and a personal rivalry with William Wyon resulted in Pistrucci being replaced by Wyon in 1828. Pistrucci was given the post of Chief Medallist as a compromise.

After the Battle of Waterloo, Pistrucci was given the task of designing a commemorative medal to be struck in gold. It was to be presented to the monarchs and military commanders of the victorious powers: Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia. He did not finish engraving the dies until 1849, by which time all the intended recipients, with the exception of the Duke of Wellington, were dead. The delay was caused by a combination of Pistrucci's dissatisfaction with his position at the Mint and the intricate nature of the design. The medal was never struck in gold, but a limited number were produced in gutta percha and as electrotypes like this example. On the obverse of the medal, the four monarchs are portrayed wearing togas and laurel wreaths in the manner of Roman emperors. Pistrucci also uses characters from Greek mythology in the form of an allegory representing Napoleon's defeat by the European allies. Above the four monarchs, the god Apollo is chasing away Nyx, the personification of night, below. Apollo, who was associated with the sun in Greek mythology, is shown symbolically bearing a torch. He personifies the allied powers, bringing light to Europe after the darkness of Napoleon's rule. Themis, the goddess of justice, is holding a sword in her hand to the left of the sovereigns. On the reverse of the medal the two horsemen are Wellington and Field Marshall Blücher, the Prussian commander. Between them is Nike, the goddess of victory, and the god Zeus is depicted triumphantly riding his chariot above.