The Brotherhood of Man [obverse]

1955

Malvina Cornell Hoffman (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Malvina Cornell Hoffman

Designer, American, 1885 - 1966

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture is a round medallion with four profiles of heads sculpted in relief. Each head represents a different ethnic background and is positioned facing each other around a central compass rose. The heads are a Caucasian male profile at the top left, an East Asian male profile to the right, a Native American male profile below the Caucasian one, and an African male profile to the right. The words "PROCLAIMING LIBERTY EVERY ONE TO HIS BROTHER" are inscribed around the edge of the medallion. The sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a metallic, brownish appearance, and is set against a black background.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The image features a round medallion or plaque with a world map design at its center. The continents are depicted on a grid pattern, reminiscent of the earth as viewed from the north pole. The sculpture appears to be made of bronze or a similar metal, giving it a warm brownish-golden hue. Inscribed around the edge of the medallion are the words "NO MAN IS AN ISLAND ENTIRE OF ITSELF; EVERY MAN IS A PIECE OF THE CONTINENT" credited to John Donne, alongside his name and lifespan (1572-1631). The design of the sculpture resembles a commemorative coin or decorative plaque and is intended to be viewed from the top as it lays flat or possibly displayed upright within a frame.

No Man Is an Island [reverse]

Malvina Cornell Hoffman, Medallic Art Company

1955

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift 1955 to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, through subscription to the Society of Medalists (Fifty-First Issue); acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

around circumference: PROCLAIMING LIBERTY EVERY ONE TO HIS BROTHER.

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