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 flaming torch and pointing to a plinth on which is inscribed 'LON. REG. / ACAD. / AB. / INSTITUT. / ANNOS / XXV'. At the foot of the plinth are a palette, hammer and set square representing painting, sculpture and architecture. This design is very similar to another (08/2866), the main difference being the design of the plinth. It is possible that this is a tracing of another design, drawn in pencil with a pen and ink outline over the top.

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.