Charles William Eliot Medal

W. Clark Noble, Charles William Eliot Medal, 1924, plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1924.10.2
Copied W. Clark Noble, Charles William Eliot Medal, 1924, plaster, 6 18 in. (15.6 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1924.10.2
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Charles William Eliot Medal
Date
1924
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
6 18 in. (15.6 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — written matter
  • Object — foliage — laurel
Object Number
1924.10.2

Artwork Description

William Clark Noble’s plaster cast represents a design for the reverse of a medal honoring Charles William Eliot (1834-1926), who served as president of Harvard University from 1869 to 1909 (see 1927.12.1). Eliot’s major accomplishments include editing the Harvard Classics and spearheading the elective system, which allowed students greater freedom in course selection. The quotation featured on the medal design may have come from Eliot’s often quoted public remarks.