Drawings and matrices of medals relating to the American Revolution and the United States

Mss.737.44.D92

Date: n.d. | Size: 0.25 Linear feet, 16 items

Background note

Augustin Dupré was a French goldsmith and medalist.

Digital objects note

This collection contains digital materials that are available in the APS Digital Library. Links to these materials are provided with context in the inventory of this finding aid. A general listing of digital objects may also be found here.

Collection Information

Provenance

Purchased from Fleming ($4500.00) and accessioned, 07/--/1954 (1954 218co).

General note

The drawings are described and reproduced in Carl Zigrosser, "Medallic Sketches of Augustin Dupré in American Collections," American Philosophical Society Proceedings 101(1957): 535-550.

Early American History Note

Augstin Dupre was a prominent artist in eighteenth century France. This collection consists of a series of medals, sketches, and engravings that commemorate the American Revolution that the U.S. commissioned Dupre to create. The collection includes sketches and medals commemorating Daniel Morgan, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and "American liberty." Perhaps the most important sketch and medal is that of the American Eagle, which served as the basis for the official American eagle and was placed on the $10 gold coin in 1795. The dates of Dupre's work range from the 1780s to the 1790s. Aside from the collection's artistic value, the detailed sketches and splash medals provide material artifacts from the printing industry and culture of commemoration of the 18th century.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Art
  • Drawings.
  • Sketchbooks

Geographic Name(s)

  • United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Pictorial works.

Subject(s)

  • American Revolution
  • International Affairs
  • Literature, Arts, and Culture


Detailed Inventory

 Augustin Dupre, Drawing for the Libertas Americana medal.
1783 1 item(s)

Abstract: Sketch of design for medal.

Access digital object:
http://diglib.amphilsoc.org/fedora/repository/graphics:4762

 Sketch of a medal, depicting a battle scene, "Dessin original pour la Medaille de Morgan."
n. d. 1 item(s)

Abstract: Sketch depicting battle scene.

Access digital object:
http://diglib.amphilsoc.org/fedora/repository/graphics:4758

 Hercules (Zigrosser, fig. 9)
n. d. 1 item(s)

Abstract: Sketch depicting Hercules standing with club, figures on ground at his feet.

Access digital object:
http://diglib.amphilsoc.org/fedora/repository/graphics:4761

 Minerva sketch (Zigrosser, fig. 6)
n. d. 1 item(s)

Abstract: Sketch depicting Minerva pointing to building on hill top.

Access digital object:
http://diglib.amphilsoc.org/fedora/repository/graphics:4760

 Sketches for rev. of Franklin medal (Zigrosser, fig. 7)
n. d. 1 item(s)

Abstract: Sketch of three scenes, depicting Hermes (?) in flying and writing.

Access digital object:
http://diglib.amphilsoc.org/fedora/repository/graphics:4759