This Above All to Thine Own Self Be True

Abram Belskie, This Above All to Thine Own Self Be True, 1954, 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, 1972.167.45
Copied Abram Belskie, This Above All to Thine Own Self Be True, 1954, bronze, 2 78 in. (7.3 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, 1972.167.45

Artwork Details

Title
This Above All to Thine Own Self Be True
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1954
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 78 in. (7.3 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
Keywords
  • Figure — fragment — hand
  • Figure female — nude
  • Animal — horse
  • Object — tool
Object Number
1972.167.45

Artwork Description

The mythological figures on the obverse and sculpting and drafting tools on the reverse signal the classical traditions that lie behind American medallic art. The purpose of Abram Belskie’s medal is not known, but the title, a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, suggests that this medal was commissioned to honor artistic achievement and to encourage artists to follow their own creative impulses.