Herbert Hoover Inaugural Medal [obverse]

1929

Henry Kirke Bush-Brown (engraver/modeler), Medallic Art Company (die engraver), U.S. Mint (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Henry Kirke Bush-Brown

Engraver/modeler, American, 1857 - 1935

Medallic Art Company

Die Engraver, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

U.S. Mint

Manufacturer, American, est. 1792

The sculpture depicts a circular bronze medal. In the center is an eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows and an olive branch. Inscriptions above the eagle read "HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENT" and "CHARLES CURTIS VICE PRESIDENT." Around the eagle are various embossed details, including a rising star, a globe with country names, and symbols of education and exploration like a telescope and an open book.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a bronze medallion with a profile relief of a man's head and shoulders facing left. The man has short, neatly combed hair, a prominent nose, and a thoughtful expression. The medallion is circular with a detailed texture, enhancing its three-dimensional depth. It features the inscription "INAUGURATION - MARCH 4, 1929." The bronze color catches light, highlighting the embossed figure's contours. The medallion appears to be handheld or displayed as a collectible item.

Herbert Hoover Inaugural Medal [obverse]

Henry Kirke Bush-Brown, Medallic Art Company, U.S. Mint

1929

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Julius Garfinckel [1872-1936], Washington; gift 1929 to the Cocoran Gallery of Art, Washington; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

across top of field: HERBERT HOOVER / PRESIDENT / CHARLES CURTIS / VICE / PRESIDENT; lower left on map: B France German[y] Austria; lower center on book, left: DE Metal; lower center on book, right: RE / liea; center on banner held by eagle : E PLURIBUS UNUM

You may be interested in

Loading Results