The Old World, the New World

Edward McCartan, The Old World, the New World, 1939, 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, 1972.167.41

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Artwork Details

Title: The Old World, the New World
Artist: Edward McCartan
Commissioner: Society of Medallic Arts
Founder: Medallic Art Company
Date: 1939
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: bronze
Mediums Description: bronze
Classifications: Sculpture
Medal
Subjects: Allegory — place — Europe
Allegory — place — America
Allegory — quality — harmony
State of being — emotion — fear
Allegory — civic
Figure group — male and child
Figure group — female and child
Landscape — building
Object Number: 1972.167.41
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.41

Artwork Description

The blessings of peace and progress symbolized on the obverse of Edward McCartan’s medal contrast with the barbarism and violence depicted on the reverse. Research has not revealed the purpose of this medal, but McCartan’s theme appeared often in America’s machine-age culture, particularly at the New York World’s Fair of 1939, the year this medal was produced.