GREAT BRITAIN. Art Union of London, Sir Joshua Reynolds. (1723-1792). Bronzed medal. 96.17 gm. 58 mm. 1845. Head of Reynolds left; REYNOLDS behind, an artist's palette below / A detail from his painting "The Infant Hercules Strangling Serpents.". Extremely Fine+; high relief design; slight handling.

Reynolds was among the first group of artists selected for representation in this series begun in 1840 as a form of art patronage. The Art Union of London was founded in 1836 and sought subscriptions for medals produced by better artists of the time. The Union's aim was "to advance art by the improvement of public taste and to advance civilization by the improvement of art." While the Union persisted until the early 20th century, the best quality works were produced in the earlier years. The medals typically show an artistic element rather than a copy of a painting, or a sculpture, or, as with a piece by Inigo Jones, a building facade..