The Lawrence Medal

Abstract

WE are glad to be able to give a reproduction of a fine gold medal of Sir William Lawrence, now in the Royal Academy Exhibition, designed and executed by Alfred Gilbert, R.A. It forms part of a scholarship, founded in memory of Sir William Lawrence at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and is given annually. The medal, cast and chased, 2 1/4 inches in diameter, shows the face and head in high relief, and gives striking evidence of the artist's skill, as the likeness well preserves the dignity and intellectual power of the original. The view is nearly full face, not the usual profile, a treatment of which there are but few examples, either ancient or modern, and of difficult execution. The reverse has an allegorical subject suited to the aim of the scholarship, and instinct with the grace and fancy of which Mr. Gilbert is master. A youth, full of confidence, presses through the shield dividing him from life, whilst wisdom and science on either hand whisper counsel as they point to the motto on the shield, part of the line from Homer, cd\v aptrrreveip KCU vjceipoxov /ajj.evai aWcov,"often cited by the original of the medal.