Anthony de Francisci, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Medal, 1952?, brass, 3 in. (7.5 cm.) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.54
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Medal
- Artist
- Date
- 1952?
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 3 in. (7.5 cm.) diam.
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- brass
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Emblem — military insignia
- Emblem — cross
- Animal — bird — eagle
- Object Number
- 1966.110.54
Artwork Description
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was established after the Spanish-American War in 1899 to “honor the dead by helping the living.” Anthony de Francisci’s uniface artist’s sample shows the VFW symbol framed on the left by the fasces---the bundled sheaf of wheat symbolizing strength through unity---and on the right by the olive branch of peace. Thirteen stars refer to the original thirteen colonies symbolized in the first American flag.