Design for a medal commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Royal Academy, ca. 1793

Joseph Nollekens RA (1737 - 1823)

RA Collection: Art

A pen and ink drawing, within a round border, depicting a seated female figure in classical robes holding a baton in her right hand and pointing to an inscription on an oval plaque with her left hand. At her feet are a palette, hammer and set square representing Painting, Sculpture and Architecture.

This design is a slight variation on the one shown in two other drawings (08/2886 and 08/2878), with the oval plaque replacing a plinth. According to the label attached to the sheet of drawings, from an exhibition catalogue, all four drawings relate to Joseph Nollekens's designs for a 'seal of the Royal Academy'. However, it has since been found that they in fact relate to a proposed medal for the 25th anniversary of the Royal Academy's foundation in 1793.