Commemorating Lindbergh's Trans-Atlantic Flight, 1927
Although MacMonnies earned greatest recognition for his monumental statuary, he supplemented his income with small-scale sculpture and medallic work. This medal was commissioned in 1931 by the Society of Medalists, a New York-based collectors’ organization established the preceding year to support superior medallic efforts. The Society gave artists the freedom to choose their own subject matter, and MacMonnies commemorated Charles Lindbergh’s May 1927 transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. The obverse presents a heroic portrait of the aviator; the reverse portrays a lone eagle battling wind and lightening as the figure of Death retreats in defeat.
Artwork Details
- Title: Commemorating Lindbergh's Trans-Atlantic Flight, 1927
- Artist: Frederick William MacMonnies (American, New York 1863–1937 New York)
- Date: 1931
- Culture: American
- Medium: Bronze and gold leaf
- Dimensions: Diam. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of the Society of Medalists (through George D. Pratt), 1933
- Object Number: 33.152.7
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Frederick William MacMonnies
1892
Frederick William MacMonnies
Jaboeuf et Rouard
1889–90, cast ca. 1902
Frederick William MacMonnies
1885
Frederick William MacMonnies
ca. 1904
Frederick William MacMonnies
E. Gruet
1888–89; cast 1890
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.