Flight

Brenda Putnam, Flight, copyrighted 1941, issued 1942, 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, 1972.167.2
Brenda Putnam, Flight, copyrighted 1941, issued 1942, 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, 1972.167.2

Artwork Details

Title
Flight
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
copyrighted 1941, issued 1942
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
  • Landscape — celestial — sun
  • Figure male — full length
  • Figure male — nude
  • Animal — bird
  • Architecture — vehicle — airplane
Object Number
1972.167.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.2

Artwork Description

The theme of flight was popular in American art throughout the interwar years and represented the aspirations of a society transformed by modern technology. Brenda Putnam symbolized the peaceful blessings of flight by picturing a dove on the obverse of this medal. The bird represents the innocent dream of flight evoked in the youthful nude figure on the reverse. Research has not revealed the purpose for which this medal was commissioned.

Works by this artist (6 items)

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Alan Goldfarb, Venetian-Style Goblet (Champagne Flute), 1998, Venetian-style blown glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in memory of Thomas Hume Slater, Jr., 1999.6.2
Venetian-Style Goblet (Champagne Flute)
Artist
Date1998
Venetian-style blown glass
On view
Alan Goldfarb, Forest Glass Beaker, 1998, medieval-style blown glass with applied prunts, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in memory of Thomas Hume Slater, Jr., 1999.6.4
Forest Glass Beaker
Artist
Date1998
medieval-style blown glass with applied prunts
On view
Alan Goldfarb, Shake Your Booty, 1998, blown glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Renwick Acquisitions Fund, 1999.7
Shake Your Booty
Artist
Date1998
blown glass
On view
Alan Goldfarb, Venetian-Style Goblet (Red Wine Goblet), 1998, Venetian-style blown glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in memory of Thomas Hume Slater, Jr., 1999.6.1
Venetian-Style Goblet (Red Wine Goblet)
Artist
Date1998
Venetian-style blown glass
On view

More Artworks from the Collection

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Mark Matthews, Leopardus pardalis (Ocelot), 1998, hot glass and Graal technique, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist and family in honor of Francis M. Greenwell, 1999.21.11, © 1999, Mark Matthews
Leopardus pardalis (Ocelot)
Artist
Date1998
hot glass and Graal technique
On view
Mark Matthews, Neofelis nebulosa (Clouded Leopard), 1998, hot glass and Graal technique, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist and family in honor of Francis M. Greenwell, 1999.21.10, © 1999, Mark Matthews
Neofelis nebulosa (Clouded Leopard)
Artist
Date1998
hot glass and Graal technique
On view
Mark Matthews, Acinonyx jubatus (Cheetah), 1998, hot glass and Graal technique, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist and family in honor of Francis M. Greenwell, 1999.21.9, © 1999, Mark Matthews
Acinonyx jubatus (Cheetah)
Artist
Date1998
hot glass and Graal technique
On view
Mark Matthews, Panthera onca (Jaguar), 1998, hot glass and Graal technique, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist and family in honor of Francis M. Greenwell, 1999.21.7, © 1999, Mark Matthews
Panthera onca (Jaguar)
Artist
Date1998
hot glass and Graal technique
On view