Public Service and Heroism Award

Anthony de Francisci, Public Service and Heroism Award, 1929, lead, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.54
Copied Anthony de Francisci, Public Service and Heroism Award, 1929, lead, 2 12 in. (6.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.54

Artwork Details

Title
Public Service and Heroism Award
Date
1929
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 12 in. (6.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci
Mediums
Mediums Description
lead
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — other — candlestick
Object Number
1966.51.54

Artwork Description

Anthony de Francisci created this artist’s strike, or sample, to represent the reverse of a true medal. The inscription reads, “Awarded In Recognition of Great Public Service And Heroism In Saving Human Life,” suggesting it was designed to honor a corps of rescue workers. The irregular edges mark this as a “splasher,” in which the molten metal was stamped with the die to gauge the sharpness of the image.