Fiat Vita

Anthony de Francisci, Fiat Vita, 1935, patinated silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.19
Copied Anthony de Francisci, Fiat Vita, 1935, patinated silver, 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, 1972.167.19

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
Classifications
Keywords
  • Landscape — celestial
  • Figure — child — full length
Object Number
1972.167.19
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.