War is Death [reverse]

1950

Cecil Howard (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Cecil Howard

Designer, American, born Canada, 1888 - 1956

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture depicted on the disk features a human skull and a barren tree. The phrase "WAR IS DEATH" is embossed in capital letters above the skull. The material of the sculpture is a dark metallic substance with a polished, somewhat reflective finish. The color is predominantly a dark silver or pewter tone with lighter highlights on the raised portions, such as the skull. The entire composition is circular and compact, providing a stark and foreboding image against a smooth, flat background.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring a family scene with a man, a woman, and a baby embracing each other. Inscribed above them is the phrase "PEACE IS LIFE." The man and woman have their heads touching, with the baby cradled between them. Floral and agricultural motifs are on either side of the family—a flower on the left and a stalk of grain on the right. The material appears to be bronze with a weathered and patinated finish. Variations in tone provide depth and texture to the sculpture.

Peace is Life [obverse]

Cecil Howard, Medallic Art Company

1950

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift 1950 to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, through subscription to the Society of Medalists (Forty-Second Issue); acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

upper left: WAR / IS / DEATH

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