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
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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
- Religion — Old Testament — Genesis
- Religion — angel
- Allegory — quality — fortune
- Figure group — female and child
- Object Number
- 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.