Building Toward Unity

Karl H. Gruppe, Building Toward Unity, 1952, 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, 1972.167.29

Artwork Details

Title: Building Toward Unity
Artist: Karl H. Gruppe
Commissioner: Society of Medallic Arts
Founder: Medallic Art Company
Date: 1952
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 — bird — eagle
Figure group — male
Object Number: 1972.167.29
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.29

Artwork Description

Karl H. Gruppe’s medal honors the founding of the Boy Scouts in 1910. On the obverse side, a bald eagle carries a linked chain, symbolizing the teamwork enacted by the scouts on the reverse side. Their collaborative effort, in turn, is based on the patriotism embodied in the eagle.