medallion (medalyon)

[F. médaillon (= Sp. med all on ), a large medal, a medallion, lock et, etc., Obverse. Reverse. Medallion of Maximus I. (Size of the original.) matists the Roman medallions are generally struck in copper, though sometimes in the precious metals, and bear a general resemblance to the sestertii or large bronze coins of the earlier Roman emperors; but they are often of finer workmanship than the coins, and are not inscribed with the letters S. C. (for senatus consul to). These medallions (the ancient name of which is not known) did not circulate as money, but were given by the emperors as presents to state officials and others. Their types are of a more or le commemorative character. Medallions [were],... in respect of the other coins, the same as modern medals in respect of modern money. They were exempted from all commerce, and had no other value but what was set upon them by the fancy of the owner. They are supposed to have been struck by emperors for presents to their friends, foreign princes, or amba adors. Add is on, Ancient Medals, iii. 2. Anything resembling the cla ical medallion. (a) A circular or oval disk decorated with figures, as a portrait with legends, and cast in metal. Medallions of this sort were common at the epoch of the Renai ance, and are among the most interesting specimens of the sculptures of that time. (b) In arch., a tablet, circular, oval, square, or of any other form, bearing on it objects represented in relief, as figures, heads, animals, flowers, etc., and applied to an exterior or interior wall, a frieze, or other architectural member; a cartouche. (c) A member in a decorative design resembling a panel; a space reserved for some special work of art, as a landscape, a portrait, etc., or merely filled with ornamentation different from the surface around it: as, a medallion in a carpet, on a painted vase, etc.