Pursuit of Happiness

Thomas Lo Medico, Pursuit of Happiness, 1948, 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, 1972.167.37
Copied Thomas Lo Medico, Pursuit of Happiness, 1948, 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, 1972.167.37

Artwork Details

Title
Pursuit of Happiness
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1948
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
  • Occupation — farm — harvesting
  • Figure group — female and child
  • Figure group — male and child
  • Occupation — industry — shipping
  • Allegory — quality — wealth
Object Number
1972.167.37
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.37

Artwork Description

The figures seen working together on this medal illustrate the power of human collaboration. Thomas Lo Medico noted that “Since time immemorial man’s behavior has been motivated by two major objectives. One is his desire to gather the fruits of his labor in peace, dignity, and freedom. The other has been to establish a bond of kinship between himself and his fellow man.”