Inspiration [obverse]

1944

Richard Recchia (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Richard Recchia

Designer, American, 1885 - 1983

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture features a relief design on a circular medallion. The central subject is the profile of a male figure looking up with a serene expression. The figure appears to be inlaid within a circular frame. Above and across the surface, the sculpture portrays what seems to be stylized wings or layered lines extending from the center outwards. The entire sculpture is in a monochromatic, metallic hue, displaying a worn bronze or aged brass finish. The words "THE BUST OUTLASTS THE THRONE" and "THE COIN-TIBERIUS" are inscribed to the left and bottom of the figure, while the phrases "ALL PASSES ART ALONE ENDURING STAYS TO US" curves around the upper edge. The artist's name, R. H. Recchia, is also inscribed on the piece.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture on the medallion depicts a human figure in a dynamic pose with arms reaching upwards against a backdrop of stylized clouds and radiating lines. The sculpture is on a round, flat surface similar to a medallion, likely made of metal, and has a muted silver or light gray color. Small stars are scattered across the surface, and an inscription at the top reads "TOO LOW THEY BUILD WHO BUILD BENEATH THE STARS."

Aspiration [reverse]

Richard Recchia, Medallic Art Company

1944

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift 1944 to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, through subscription to the Society of Medalists (Twenty-Ninth Issue); acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

around top and right circumference: ALL PASSES.ART ALONE ENDURING STAYS TO US; center left: R.H. RECCHIA / ©; lower left: THE BUST / OUTLASTS / THE / THRONE; in exergue: THE COIN-TIBERIUS

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