Primavera

Paul Wayland Bartlett, Primavera, 1925, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Armistead Peter III, 1958.11.27
Copied Paul Wayland Bartlett, Primavera, 1925, bronze, 3 3⁄8 in. (8.6 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Armistead Peter III, 1958.11.27
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Primavera
Artist
Date
1925
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 3⁄8 in. (8.6 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Armistead Peter III
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure female — child — head
  • Allegory — season — spring
  • Object — flower
Object Number
1958.11.27
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1958.11.27

Artwork Description

Although the story behind Paul Wayland Bartlett’s medal design is unknown, the title, Primavera, refers to an allegory of spring that was a popular theme among Renaissance artists. The laurel wreath framing the young girl’s head can also symbolize the success or victory that a commemorative medal is designed to honor. This hollow relief, with its ragged edge, was likely produced as an artist’s strike, or sample, to test the final design.