Artwork Details
- Title
- Betrothal Medal, “Ceres’ Blessing So Is On You,” Struck for the Society of Medalists – 20th Issue
- Artist
- Commissioner
- Society of Medallic Arts
- Founder
- Medallic Art Company
- Date
- 1939
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 1⁄4 x 2 7⁄8 in. (.6 x 7.4 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
- gilded bronze
- Keywords
- Figure female — head
- Mythology — classical — Ceres
- Animal — insect — bee
- Allegory — quality — wealth
- Object — flower — rose
- Object Number
- 1972.167.42
Artwork Description
In John Gregory’s medal, the grain interwoven in Ceres’ hair refers to her protective role as the Roman goddess of agriculture. The inscription on the reverse side, “scarcity and want shall shun you,” appears with an image of bees approaching a rose. These symbols of passion and fertility invoke a future of healthy children for the betrothed couple.