Flight

Brenda Putnam, Flight, copyrighted 1941, issued 1942, 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, 1972.167.2

Artwork Details

Title: Flight
Artist: Brenda Putnam
Commissioner: Society of Medallic Arts
Founder: Medallic Art Company
Date: copyrighted 1941, issued 1942
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: Landscape — celestial — sun
Figure male — full length
Figure male — nude
Animal — bird
Architecture — vehicle — airplane
Object Number: 1972.167.2
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.2

Artwork Description

The theme of flight was popular in American art throughout the interwar years and represented the aspirations of a society transformed by modern technology. Brenda Putnam symbolized the peaceful blessings of flight by picturing a dove on the obverse of this medal. The bird represents the innocent dream of flight evoked in the youthful nude figure on the reverse. Research has not revealed the purpose for which this medal was commissioned.