In Memory of the Visit of the Turkish Sultan Abdul-Aziz to London, 1867

Art Historical Context

This striking bronze medal commemorates the historic 1867 visit of Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Aziz to London, marking an important moment of diplomatic engagement between Britain and the Ottoman Empire during the Victorian era. Struck in bronze with a modest three-inch diameter, the piece features profiled portraits that capture the likenesses of key figures from the occasion, reflecting the formal ceremonies and mutual respect exchanged during the Sultan’s European tour. Created by the renowned Wyon brothers, Alfred Benjamin and Joseph Shepherd, the medal exemplifies the high craftsmanship of 19th-century British medallic art. The Wyons, part of a distinguished family of engravers, specialized in official seals, coins, and commemorative pieces for the British government. Their work here highlights the precision of the struck technique, which allowed for sharp details and durability in a portable format ideal for distribution to dignitaries and collectors. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this medal serves as a tangible reminder of cross-cultural exchanges in the 1860s. Gifted by the Corporation of the City of London in 1908, it underscores London’s role as a hub of international diplomacy and the enduring value placed on such historical artifacts.