2-888-435 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Reverse of the "Wren" Medal of the Art-Union of London, 1850. 'Medal commemorative of Sir Christopher Wren, just issued by the Art-Union of London...The reverse bears the west front of St. Paul's Cathedral, by Mr. Benjamin Wyon, and considered to be one of the most successful representations of a building on a medal ever achieved. The medallic series, illustrating the history of British art (to which the Wren Medal belongs), was undertaken by the Art-Union with a view to give encouragement to an art hitherto much neglected among us; and the specimens already issued form valuable mementos of our most distinguished artists, and of some of their chief works. We are glad to learn that the subscription list of this year promises to be very large'. St Paul's was designed by Wren, and consecrated in 1697. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.