Commemoration of the Centenary of Mark Twain's Birth

1935

John F. Flanagan (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
John F. Flanagan

Designer, American, 1865 - 1952

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture depicts Mark Twain in a seated position, holding a pipe to his lips. He is portrayed in a relaxed posture with curly hair and wearing a suit. Two smaller figures below him are identified as "Tom" and "Huck." The sculpture is crafted from bronze with a brown metallic appearance. The upper part features Twain's likeness, while the lower part includes the two figures and an inscription that reads, "ALWAYS DO RIGHT. THIS WILL GRATIFY SOME PEOPLE AND ASTONISH THE REST." The sculpture emphasizes attention to detail in the features and significant literary elements. The material gives it a tactile quality and a natural texture.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection (Gift)

  • Dimensions

    overall: 8.89 × 5.72 × 0.32 cm (3 1/2 × 2 1/4 × 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.19.3656


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired 1935 by the Cocoran Gallery of Art, Washington; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

upper left: MARK TWAIN / CENTENARY OF HIS BIRTH / MDCCCXXXV-MCMXXXV; center right above dividing ridge, artist's initials encircled: MCM JF XXXV;
lower center: ALWAYS DO RIGHT / THIS WILL GRATIFY / SOME PEOPLE / AND ASTONISH THE / REST; lower left, names on either side of the figure's face: TOM SAWYER; lower right, names on either side of the figure's face: HUCK FINN


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