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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
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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.
- Markings
- back lower left relief: ©/W/W around upper edge in relief: PEACE · ON · EARTH rim: The Society of Medalists 44th issue 1951 Wheeler Williams sculptor - Medalic Art Co. N.Y.
- 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
- Keywords
- Figure group — female and child
- Animal — sheep
- Object Number
- 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.