Go to the Ant, Consider Her Ways and be Wise [reverse]

1942

Janet de Coux (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Janet de Coux

Designer, American, 1904 - 1999

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture is a round medallion with an embossed image of three ants. The central ant is featured prominently, flanked by two other ants. The ants are surrounded by stylized depictions of wheat or grass. The medallion is made of brownish copper and has the phrase "GO TO THE ANT, CONSIDER HER WAYS AND BE WISE" in raised lettering along its outer edge. The design and text suggest a thematic or commemorative purpose. The copper material gives the medallion a rustic appearance and a reflective sheen, highlighting the design and text.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture features a reclining human figure under a tree with large leaves forming a canopy. The figure is draped in a garment, with their head tilted back slightly resting against their arm. An apple is seen at the lower left. The relief is made from a brownish material with a smooth finish, likely metal. An inscription "THOV SLVGGARD" is at the bottom. The composition is set on a circular plaque with details in shallow relief.

Thou Sluggard [obverse]

Janet de Coux, Medallic Art Company

1942

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift 1942 to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, through subscription to the Society of Medalists (Twenty-Fifth Issue); acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1987

  • Women at Work: Sculpture from the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1897-1947, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, 1987.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: GO TO THE ANT CONSIDER HER WAYS; around bottom circumference: AND BE WISE

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