Fly Fishing Medal

Gifford MacGregor Proctor, Fly Fishing Medal, 1953, 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, 1972.167.46
Copied Gifford MacGregor Proctor, Fly Fishing Medal, 1953, bronze, 2 7⁄8 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, 1972.167.46

Artwork Details

Title
Fly Fishing Medal
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1953
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 7⁄8 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
Subjects
  • Animal — fish
  • Recreation — sport and play — fishing
Object Number
1972.167.46
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.46

Artwork Description

Research has not revealed the purpose of this medal, but Gifford MacGregor Proctor’s design suggests that it was given as an award in a trophy fishing tournament. The elaborately tied “dry fly lure” on the reverse reveals the artistry of the champion fly fishermen, whose lures attract game fish such as the brook trout depicted on the obverse.