World’s Fair Medal (reverse)

Anthony de Francisci, World's Fair Medal (reverse), 1964, plaster plaque, 10 ¹⁄₂ in. (26.7 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.8

Artwork Details

Title: World’s Fair Medal (reverse)
Artist: Anthony de Francisci
Date: 1964
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 10 ¹⁄₂ in. (26.7 cm) diam.
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci
Mediums: plaster
Mediums Description: plaster plaque
Classifications: Sculpture
Relief
Subjects: Figure group — male
Indian
Animal — bird — eagle
History — United States — Colonization
Allegory — place — New York
Emblem — seal
Object Number: 1966.51.8
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.51.8

Artwork Description

Anthony de Francisci designed this plaster relief for a medal commemorating the New York World’s Fair and the 300th anniversary of the founding of New York City. The anniversary marked the date in 1664 when British forces seized control of New Amsterdam from the Dutch and renamed the settlement after the Duke of York. The plaque depicts the seal of the City of New York, which includes figures of a Manhattan Indian and a Dutch sailor.