147 / 169
145
H
The artist states, “The greatness of any age is measured by the
quality of its art and literature. Two of the greatest periods in the
recorded history of art were the Golden Age of Greece and the time
of The Renaissance throughout Europe. “Visual arts” combines
these great ages - an early renaissance sculptor carves the Greek
muse of painting. A ballet theme was chosen for the reverse of the
medal - bringing together, as it does, music and drama with the
dance, it encompasses the full spectrum of the “Performing Arts.”
(C)
1066. SPECTACULAR “BREAKING THE BOUNDS” ART MEDAL BY
DONALD DE LUE, 1985.
SOM 111.1. 72.1mm square. Bronze.
Donald De Lue, Sc. (MACO). Uncirculated. The obverse presents
a nude male figure struggling against the boundaries of the medal.
The reverse depicts the same struggle, but viewed from behind.
De Lue is quoted as saying about this medal, “The dual image
of man pushing against his boundaries is symbolic on both
human and artistic levels.” ‘Breaking the Bounds” could be the
most successful and popular of all of the issues of the Society of
Medalists.” It was #111 in this distinguished series. (I+)
STATUE OF LIBERTY
TOKENS AND MEDALS
1067. THE FIRST MEDAL TO PICTURE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY,
1876.
LO-01;
Gabriel GO-1; Abler 2610. 50.6mm. Bronze.
Ernest Paulin Tasset, Sc. (Paris Mint). Bee edgemark of the
1860-79 period. Extremely Fine. Obverse scene of the Statue of
Liberty placed on a distinctive straight-sided pedestal on Bedloe’s
Island. Fort Wood around the base. 11 line reverse inscription: IN/
REMEMBRANCE/ OF THE OLD FRIENDSHIP/ BETWEEN/ THE
UNITED STATES AND FRANCE/ BY/ PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION/
AMONGST THE CITIZENS/ OF/ BOOTH (sic) NATIONS/ 1776-
1876.
This is the earliest known medallic depiction of the Statue of
Liberty. The pedestal that was actually placed in 1886 differs in
many respects from the one depicted on this medal. According
to Dick Johnson, this medal was struck by the Paris Mint from
original metal taken from Bartholdi’s studio. Abler quotes Alan
Herbert in the 9/30/09 Numismatic News, as saying: “Our source
indicates there was such a medal, described as 50mm in diameter,
with the statue and the words, “Commemorative Monument of
American Independence” on the obverse. On the reverse: “In
remembrance of the old friendship between the United States and
France by public subscription amongst the citizens of booth [sic.]
nations 1776-1876.” The incorrect spelling of “both” reportedly led
to the withholding of the medal, which was never issued publicly.”
A “must have” piece for the Statue of Liberty collector. We sold
an Unc. example 12 years ago in our Litman, Sullivan & Dreyfuss
Sale for $552.00. (H)
1068. RARE AND UNLISTED STATUE OF LIBERTY WOODEN
MEDAL, (1885)
107 x 82mm. Pressed Walnut. Signed, C. Bose,
Boston. Uncirculated, with a light spot on the obverse border at
upper right. . Obverse with a distant view of the Statue of Liberty.
The reverse is inscribed: BARTHOLDI STATUE/ LIBERTY/
ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD/ PRESENTED BY/ THE PEOPLE
OF FRANCE/ TO/ THE UNITED STATES/ TOTAL HEIGHT 317
FEET/ BEING 39 FEET HIGHER/ THAN/ THE TOWER OF/ THE
FAMOUS BROOKLYN BRIDGE/ LORD & TAYLOR, NEW YORK.
This rare piece is unlisted by both Spangenberger (Wooden
Medals) and Gabriel (Statue of Liberty tokens and medals). It
was apparently used as a promotional item by the Lord & Taylor
Department Store. (G)
1069. THE WORLD STATUE OF LIBERTY MEDAL, 1886.
NY-NY
Lot 1066 (reduced)
Lot 1067 (reduced)
Lot 1068 (reduced)
Lot 1069