Century Association Service Medal (obverse)

Paul Manship, Century Association Service Medal (obverse), 1955, white metal with darkened gold patina, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.111
Copied Paul Manship, Century Association Service Medal (obverse), 1955, white metal with darkened gold patina, 9 12 in. (24.1 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.111

Artwork Details

Title
Century Association Service Medal (obverse)
Artist
Date
1955
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
9 12 in. (24.1 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
white metal with darkened gold patina
Classifications
Keywords
  • Mythology — classical — Athena
Object Number
1966.47.111

Artwork Description

From 1950 to 1953, Paul Manship was president of the Century Association, which was organized in 1847 as an exclusively male club for amateurs and professionals in the arts and letters. This award was established in 1954 by the association’s Board of Management. Manship and other medallic artists favored classical figures such as this image of Athena, who holds a laurel wreath of victory and gestures toward the lamp of wisdom.