The Old World, the New World

Edward McCartan, The Old World, the New World, 1939, 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, 1972.167.41
Copied Edward McCartan, The Old World, the New World, 1939, 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, 1972.167.41
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
The Old World, the New World
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1939
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
Subjects
  • State of being — emotion — fear
  • Allegory — civic
  • Figure group — male and child
  • Figure group — female and child
  • Landscape — building
  • Allegory — quality — harmony
  • Allegory — place — America
  • Allegory — place — Europe
Object Number
1972.167.41
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.41

Artwork Description

The blessings of peace and progress symbolized on the obverse of Edward McCartan’s medal contrast with the barbarism and violence depicted on the reverse. Research has not revealed the purpose of this medal, but McCartan’s theme appeared often in America’s machine-age culture, particularly at the New York World’s Fair of 1939, the year this medal was produced.