Fly Fishing Medal

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: Gifford MacGregor Proctor
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: bronze
Mediums Description: bronze
Classifications: Sculpture
Medal
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.