Artwork Details
- Title
- Fiat Vita
- Artist
- Founder
- Medallic Art Company
- Date
- 1935
- 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
- patinated silver
- Keywords
- Landscape — celestial
- Figure — child — full length
- Object Number
- 1972.167.19
Artwork Description
Anthony de Francisci's medal is a stylized image taken from the book of Genesis, in the Old Testament. On the obverse, behind the great hand that holds an infant, a bolt of lightning separates the heavens from the earth. The Latin phrase fiat vita means "let there be life," de Francisci's adaptation of the biblical phrase "Let there be light." On the reverse, the sculptor depicted the emergence of the universe out of a vortex of forces. Research has not yet revealed the source of this commission or the purpose of the medal.