Peace on Earth

Wheeler Williams, Peace on Earth, 1951, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.13
Copied Wheeler Williams, Peace on Earth, 1951, 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, 1972.167.13

Artwork Details

Title
Peace on Earth
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1951
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
Keywords
  • Figure group — female and child
  • Animal — sheep
Object Number
1972.167.13
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.13

Artwork Description

Wheeler Williams was one of many artists who, during the postwar period, created art that reaffirmed the values of home, peace, family and security. The image of a mother and child on the obverse of this medal appeared throughout American art during the interwar years and into the 1940s, and symbolized the American way of life threatened by fascism. On the reverse of this medal, the lamb lying in a meadow evokes the Bible’s reference to the Lamb of God, as well as paintings by American artist Edward Hicks (1780-1849), whose many images of the “Peaceable Kingdom” established this symbolism in American culture for generations to come.