SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS #40, HARMONY, BY LEO FRIEDLANDER, 1949

HISTORY: Leo Friedlander (1888–1966) was an American sculptor who created numerous important public works. He studied at the Art Students League in New York City, the École des Beaux Arts in both Brussels and Paris, and the American Academy in Rome. Friedlander then taught at the American Academy and later at New York University where he was head of the sculpture department. He also became president of the National Sculpture Society. He was commissioned to create the 1949 Society of Medalists issue #40 medal.

OBVERSE: “HARMONY,” with initials “L-F” and “©” below. Idyllic scene of a bare-chested young woman with a lute, walking on pastoral landscape.

REVERSE: “CREATES TRANQVILITY,” illustrating a tranquil, domestic farmland scene.

EDGE: “THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS FORTIETH ISSUE 1949 LEO FRIEDLANDER SCULPTOR.”