Genesis

Copied Adolph A. Weinman, Genesis, 1949, 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, 1972.167.38

Artwork Details

Title
Genesis
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1949
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
  • Figure group — male — nude
  • Allegory — quality — fortune
  • Figure group — female and child
  • Religion — Old Testament — Genesis
  • Religion — angel
Object Number
1972.167.38
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.38

Artwork Description

For the obverse of this medal, Adolph Weinman depicted the creation of man from the book of Genesis; for the reverse, the sculptor employed classical figures of a goddess and a heavenly messenger. Research has not revealed the purpose of this medal, but Weinman’s symbolism and the phrase “Web of Destiny” refer to the Christian mysticism of a Rosicrucian sect led by Max Heindel in the early 1900s. The obverse of the medal signals the beginning of man’s journey toward godhood, which culminates, according to Heindel, in a state of consciousness called epigenesis. Web of Destiny was the title of a book of  “lessons” published by Heindel early in the twentieth century.