United Fruit Company Medal (obverse)

Paul Manship, United Fruit Company Medal (obverse), 1943, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.137
Copied Paul Manship, United Fruit Company Medal (obverse), 1943, bronze, 1 3⁄4 in. (4.5 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.137

Artwork Details

Title
United Fruit Company Medal (obverse)
Artist
Date
1943
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
1 3⁄4 in. (4.5 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — bird — eagle
  • Allegory — arts and sciences — industry
  • Architecture — boat — detail
Object Number
1966.47.137
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.47.137

Artwork Description

The United Fruit Company was founded in 1899 and by midcentury was one of the largest employers in Central America. Paul Manship’s artist’s sample shows the obverse of the true medal, which was awarded “for meritorious service at sea.” The American eagle rests upon an anchor, which, during the interwar years, often symbolized maritime trade between North America and Central and South America.