Abundance/​America

Albert Laessle, Abundance/America, 1934, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.5
Copied Albert Laessle, Abundance/America, 1934, bronze, 1⁄8 x 2 7⁄8 in. (0.3 x 7.4 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.5

Artwork Details

Title
Abundance/​America
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1934
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
1⁄8 x 2 7⁄8 in. (0.3 x 7.4 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — bird — turkey
  • Allegory — quality — wealth
  • Allegory — place — America
  • Object — vegetable — corn
Object Number
1972.167.5
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.5

Artwork Description

Albert Laessle is known primarily for his animal sculptures, yet he also designed medals such as this one, which was the tenth issue of the Society of Medalists. For the obverse of this medal, Laessle selected a turkey, which Benjamin Franklin once proposed as the national bird, to symbolize America.