Building Toward Unity

Karl H. Gruppe, Building Toward Unity, 1952, 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, 1972.167.29
Copied 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
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
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group — male
  • Animal — bird — eagle
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.