The medal's obverse bears bust of John Trumbull. Around left and right, JOHN - TRUMBULL; signed on truncation, at bottom, B. HUGHES 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. - 1849
John Trumbull (1756-1843) was an American painter and is often referred to as "The painter of the Revolution." His painting of the Declaration of Independence was used on the reverse side of the bicentennial $2 bill. He served in the Revolutionary War as an aide to George Washington, a position from which he resigned in a dispute over his commission date.
This was the third and last medal issued by the American Art-Union.
The circular medal measures 64mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and silver by the U.S. Mint. No mintages are reported but the silver variant is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of pieces known to exist.
References: AAU 3, Marqusee 404