American Art-Union, Part 2: The Allston & Trumbull Medals

In May, I discussed the Gilbert Stuart medal that the American Art-Union (AAU) issued. The  AAU produced two other medals: the Allston medal and the Trumbull medal. The Allston medal has the most interesting background, but Trumbull was a superior artist. Regardless of which medal is better, they each have neat histories, so let’s jump in!

The Allston Medal

The earliest reference I found concerning a medal for the American Art-Union was in an article in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat from April 8, 1847. The newspaper clipping states:

“MEMORIAL TO GENIUS. -The art union have resolved to expend a medal, which is to bear the head of Washington Allston, and appropriate emblems. -One hundred of this description are to be given to the subscribers at the next annual distribution.” 

This helps us better understand how long it took to make these medals as well as the evolution from the original idea to the final product. This newspaper implies that there was an intended mintage of 100 medals. I don’t know why the final mintage was changed to 250 bronze and 50 silver medals.

Another newspaper reference to the Allston medal is especially important. It states that “the association have this year had a beautiful medal struck, commemorative of Washington Allston, engraved by C.C. Wright. It is the most beautiful work of the kind that has been produced in this country.” This tells us that the medal had been struck by November 27, 1847, and people had seen it and could attest to its craftsmanship.

All 250 bronze medals were distributed as usual in the end-of-year lottery. Any curious numismatist might wonder what happened to the 50 silver medals. Nobody knows. However, a bit of speculation on my part concludes that they were either given away to authorities or sold as a fundraiser.

Washington Allston

Washington Allston was born on a rice plantation in South Carolina. He was named in honor of George Washington—a very noble name since the Revolutionary War was still being fought at the time of Allston’s birth. He studied at Harvard College, graduating in 1800. He decided to go to England and study at the Royal Academy Schools in London. After he graduated, he toured many of the great museums of Europe, focusing on those with great paintings. He also practiced honing his skills. 

While in the midst of his studies, Allston met Ann Channing. They quickly fell in love, got married, and settled in London. Allston became a renowned painter and began teaching art. As a claim to fame, the inventor of the telegraph, Samuel Morse, was one of his students. Allston became well-known for his paintings and won many prizes and awards. 

Sadly, in 1815, his wife died. Since he no longer had ties to England, he decided to return to the United States in 1818, and he resided in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for 25 years. He began compiling exhibits of various artworks and exhibited them at museums around the country. In 1830 Allston married Martha Remington Dana. He died at age 63 in 1843.

The Trumbull Medal

The Trumbull medal was struck in 1849 and 1850. A total of 650 medals were minted in bronze. John Trumbull’s portrait was inspired by an 1834 bust sculpted by Robert Ball Hughes. There is one unique strike known in white metal.

John Trumbull

John Trumbull was born in 1756. During a childhood accident, he lost the use of one eye. (This probably affected his paintings that he created later on.) In 1771 he attended the junior class of Harvard College. He graduated two years later and became a soldier in the American Revolution. Despite being an everyday soldier, he also had a special role to play. He snuck close to the enemy lines and made sketches of their positions and fortifications. This allowed the Continental Army to better plan their attacks. 

Trumbull left the army in 1777 over a dispute. He soon departed for England to study under Benjamin West. However, when news of the hanging of Major John Andre arrived in England, Trumbull was arrested for treason because he had fought against the British. After he was released, he returned to America until 1784, when he once again sailed to England to continue studying under West. West encouraged him to paint miniature portraits and depictions of the Revolutionary War. Trumbull eventually returned to the United States. Despite being a skilled painter, he never saw a high paycheck and struggled financially most of his life. He died in 1843.

Conclusion

The artistic medals of the American Art-Union present a fun collecting set for the advanced collector. They rarely appear at auction, and when they do, competition is tough. However, any hobbyist can appreciate the nation’s first medal series for their great stories tied to some of the nation’s most important artists. 

Sign up for the monthly Reading Room Rundown to receive more great stories!