The medal's obverse bears bust of Gilbert Stuart, facing left. Around left and right, GILBERT - STUART. Signed under truncation, C.C. WRIGHT F.; at lower edge, S. ELLIS DEL.
The reverse bears Columbia with American shield on steps crowning two artists, one a painter holding a pallet and brushes, one a sculptor cradling a mallet in the crook of his arm. Around left and right, AMERICAN - ART-UNION; signed and dated on steps, P.P.D.D - C.C.W.F. - 1848
Gilbert Charles Stuart (1755-1828) was an American painter, best known for his portraits. He was born in Rhode Island but practiced his art in Newport, New York, Philadelphia and finally in Boston. He is buried in the Old South Burial Ground of the Boston Common.
This was the second medal issued by the American Art-Union.
The circular medal measures 64.2mm in diameter and was struck in bronze, white metal, and silver at the U.S. Mint. No mintage is reported for any variant but it is believed that the one silver piece that is known (Stacks & Bowers, Americana Auction 2005) might be unique.
References: AAU 2, Storer 2042, Marqusee 401