To Reap Man Must Sow

Donal Hord, To Reap Man Must Sow, 1950, 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, 1972.167.16
Copied Donal Hord, To Reap Man Must Sow, 1950, bronze, 2 78 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, 1972.167.16

Artwork Details

Title
To Reap Man Must Sow
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1950
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 78 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 male — nude
  • Figure male — full length
  • Occupation — farm — sowing
Object Number
1972.167.16

Artwork Description

This medal conveys Donal Hord’s interpretation of the biblical phrase “Whatsoever a man soweth, that also shall he reap.” The Native American figure on the obverse and reverse evokes an imaginary, undisturbed agricultural civilization before Europeans came to America. Sculpted after World War II and the founding of the United Nations, Hord’s medal expresses the value of working for peace.