Victory of Man and Nature over the Powers of Destruction [obverse]

1940

Walker Hancock (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Walker Hancock

Designer, American, 1901 - 1998

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The image shows a round medal sculpture featuring two nude male figures engaged in an act of construction or demolition with a tower-like structure in the background. The figures are positioned rhythmically and appear to be exerting effort. The medal is bronze with a smooth and slightly reflective finish. The men are surrounded by the inscription "THERE WILL BE OTHER TOWERS FOR THEE TO BUILD." The figures' poses and physicality resemble classical sculptures, showcasing movement and strength.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of a circular metal plate with an embossed design featuring two trees flanking a tree stump at the center. The trees have large leaves with sawtooth edges. There are radiating lines around the stump and the color of the metal is a rich brown with a natural patina enhancing the texture and contrast of the design. The overall craftsmanship suggests an artisanal approach to metalwork, possibly intended as a decorative piece.

Victory of Man and Nature over the Powers of Destruction [reverse]

Walker Hancock, Medallic Art Company

1940

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift 1940 to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, through subscription to the Society of Medalists (Twenty-Second Issue); acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left, between right and left feet of the two figures: © / HANCOCK; around circumference: THERE WILL BE OTHER TOWERS; in the exergue, the numbers within circles: 19 FOR THEE TO 40 / BUILD

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