Ford Motor Company Medal (obverse)

Anthony de Francisci, Ford Motor Company Medal (obverse), 1928, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.13
Copied Anthony de Francisci, Ford Motor Company Medal (obverse), 1928, bronze, 2 1⁄2 in. (6.4 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.13

Artwork Details

Title
Ford Motor Company Medal (obverse)
Artist
Date
1928
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 1⁄2 in. (6.4 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — Ford, Henry — bust
  • Occupation — industry — automotive
Object Number
1966.110.13
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.110.13

Artwork Description

Henry Ford’s profile appears on this uniface artist’s sample, which represents the obverse of the true medal. To the right of Ford’s profile, the caduceus, ancient symbol of the medical profession, refers to the industries of medical research and pharmaceuticals the Ford Motor Company supported in Detroit. The actual medal was probably commissioned in honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the firm’s founding.