Merit in Architecture

Albert Laessle, Merit in Architecture, n.d., lead, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.54
Copied Albert Laessle, Merit in Architecture, n.d., lead, 2 3⁄8 in. (6.0 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, 1972.167.54

Artwork Details

Title
Merit in Architecture
Artist
Date
n.d.
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 3⁄8 in. (6.0 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
lead
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male
  • Allegory — arts and sciences — architecture
Object Number
1972.167.54
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.54

Artwork Description

Albert Laessle’s lead artist’s strike, or sample, represents the obverse of the true medal, which was awarded by the University of Pennsylvania. Laessle borrowed elements from Egyptian, Assyrian, and Greek carved reliefs to evoke the great historical periods of architecture.