Walker Hancock

American, 1901 - 1998

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The sculpture is a profile of a man with distinct facial features like a mustache, neatly combed hair, and wearing a suit and tie. The material is light beige or cream-colored like limestone. The relief is embedded in a circular frame on a flat surface. Inscribed above the relief are the years "1855 - 1937." Part of an inscription below reads "GAVE THE BUILD."
Walker Hancock, Andrew W. Mellon, 1954, marble, Andrew W. Mellon Collection, 1954.21.1

Andrew W. Mellon

Walker Hancock · 1954 · marble ·  Accession ID  1954.21.1

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.
Walker Hancock, Medallic Art Company, Victory of Man and Nature over the Powers of Destruction [obverse], 1940, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Gift through subscription to the Society of Medalists), 2015.19.3674.a

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

Walker Hancock, Medallic Art Company · 1940 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3674.a

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.
Walker Hancock, Medallic Art Company, Victory of Man and Nature over the Powers of Destruction [reverse], 1940, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Gift through subscription to the Society of Medalists), 2015.19.3674.b

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

Walker Hancock, Medallic Art Company · 1940 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3674.b

Bibliography

1998

  • "Sculptor Walter Hancock, 97, Dies." The Washington Post, 3 January 1999: B6.