General Motors Medal

1893 - 1955

Norman Bel Geddes (designer), Rene Paul Chambellan (engraver/modeler), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Norman Bel Geddes

Designer, American, 1893 - 1958

Rene Paul Chambellan

Engraver/modeler, American, 1893 - 1955

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture depicts a medallion or coin with a bas-relief image of a futuristic vehicle or transportation system. It appears to be made of metal, possibly bronze or another durable alloy, with a metallic sheen and patina. Surrounding the central image is an inscription that reads, "TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF MOTOR TRANSPORTATION." The design is streamlined and sleek, emphasizing modernity and movement, with an industrial, Art Deco aesthetic characterized by clean lines and smooth, flowing curves.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

General Motors Medal

Norman Bel Geddes, Rene Paul Chambellan, Medallic Art Company

1893

General Motors Medal

Norman Bel Geddes, Rene Paul Chambellan, Medallic Art Company

1893

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired 1933 by the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

around circumference upper right: TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF across on center left MOTOR TRANSPORTATION
lower center signed NORMAN BEL GEDDES copyright encircled 1933

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