The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America [reverse]

1966

Ralph J. Menconi (designer), Medallic Art Company (manufacturer)

Associated Names
Ralph J. Menconi

Designer, American, 1915 - 1972

Medallic Art Company

Manufacturer, American, est. 1910 - closed 2016

The sculpture on the medallion-like object portrays a female figure in flowing robes at the center. The material is metallic bronze with a burnished finish. Surrounding the woman are symbols: two sailing ships on a wavy sea to her left, and an iconic building with a clock tower and the Liberty Bell to her right. Additionally, there are shields on the lower right, and an inscription encircles the edge of the sculpture. The sculpted elements are embossed against the flat circular background.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a profile relief portrait of a man on a circular medal or medallion. The man has a prominent nose, a pronounced brow, and detailed, wavy hair that extends to his neck. He appears to be wearing formal attire with a high-collared coat or jacket. The sculpture is made from a material resembling bronze, giving it a warm, metallic, coppery-brown color. Inscribed text on the raised rim of the circular edge reads: "WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF EVIDENT THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS AMONG THESE ARE LIFE LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." The face, hair, and clothing show high craftsmanship, with the side profile position conveying a classic and formal representation typical of honorary medallions or commemorative coins.

Thomas Jefferson [obverse]

Ralph J. Menconi, Medallic Art Company

1966

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift 1967 of Clyde C. Trees through subscription to the Society of Medalists (Seventy-Fourth Issue) to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

around circumference: THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA .; on the coffins, initials of Boston Massacre victims, one (Samuel Gray) not visible: CJA (Crispus J. Attucks) / PC (Patrick Carr) / SM (Samuel Maverick) / JC (James Caldwell)

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