James I. Meyer, George Washington Belt Buckle, 1974, sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby, 1 5⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. (4.2 x 4.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.158
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Artwork Details
- Title
- George Washington Belt Buckle
- Artist
- Date
- 1974
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 1 5⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. (4.2 x 4.1 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase
- Mediums Description
- sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Landscape — tree
- Portrait male — Washington, George
- Object — tool — axe
- Object Number
- 1975.158
Artwork Description
In George Washington Belt Buckle, James Meyer shows a young Washington chopping down the famous cherry tree, invoking a popular episode from American folklore. Meyer expresses in this piece his desire to enjoy and protect his cultural heritage, a need that he attributes to his observations while traveling abroad. According to the artist, the richness and vitality of Italy’s culture made him aware of our need to preserve America’s folk history and shared heritage.
Works by this artist (1 item)
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