Flight

Brenda Putnam, Flight, copyrighted 1941, issued 1942, 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, 1972.167.2
Copied Brenda Putnam, Flight, copyrighted 1941, issued 1942, 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, 1972.167.2

Artwork Details

Title
Flight
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
copyrighted 1941, issued 1942
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
Subjects
  • Landscape — celestial — sun
  • Figure male — nude
  • Animal — bird
  • Architecture — vehicle — airplane
  • Figure male — full length
Object Number
1972.167.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.2

Artwork Description

The theme of flight was popular in American art throughout the interwar years and represented the aspirations of a society transformed by modern technology. Brenda Putnam symbolized the peaceful blessings of flight by picturing a dove on the obverse of this medal. The bird represents the innocent dream of flight evoked in the youthful nude figure on the reverse. Research has not revealed the purpose for which this medal was commissioned.