George Washington Inaugural Centennial Medal [obverse]

1889

Augustus Saint-Gaudens (designer), Philip Martiny (engraver/modeler), Gorham Manufacturing Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Designer, American, born Ireland, 1848 - 1907

Philip Martiny

Engraver/modeler, American, born France, 1858 - 1927

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Manufacturer, American, 1815 - present

The sculpture is a circular medallion with a relief profile portrait of George Washington facing left. The material seems to be bronze or a bronze-colored metal, giving it an earthy brown tone with a slight greenish patina. The surface is textured, with the portrait in the center, surrounded by inscriptions including "George Washington." There is an ancient symbol resembling a fasces on the right side, along with Roman numerals on either side of the profile. Stars are evenly placed around the edge of the medallion for decorative purposes. The craftsmanship shows attention to detail in elements like clothing folds and hair texture.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.

Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture features an eagle with its wings spread, holding a shield in front of it. The sculpture is primarily brown in color, resembling aged bronze. It is a round disc with text inscribed in raised letters around the eagle, commemorating the inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States in April 1789. The detail on the eagle and inscription is intricate, showing precision in the depiction of feathers and letters.

George Washington Inaugural Centennial Medal [reverse]

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Philip Martiny, Gorham Manufacturing Company

1889


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

under truncation of figure: PHILIP.MARTINY.MODELER.DESIGN. AND. / ..COPYRIGHT.BY.AVGVSTVS.SAINT.GAVDENS.; around outer circumference, thirteen five-pointed stars; around inner circumference: .GEORGE.WASHINGTON.; across center: .PATER. PAT RIAE. / .M.D.C.C.L. XX XIX.


You may be interested in

Loading Results