Regents Approve First Smithsonian Seal

The Board of Regents authorizes the creation of a seal of the Smithsonian Institution, with a likeness of James Smithson. A bronze medallion portrait of James Smithson is copied from one attributed to Italian artist Antonio Canova. A noted manufacturer of seals, Edward Stabler, is hired to engrave the seal based on the medallion portrait and a design by Regent Robert Dale Owen.