The medal's obverse bears a nude woman holding spirited infant with ball. Around, THE DANCE OF LIFE BEGINS EARLY / AND GOES ON.
The reverse bears nude male being pulled and pushed by two contending nude women. Around, WITH PLEASURE - PAIN / AND THE PROTAGONIST; between legs of figures, signature A - S - C / ©.
In this medal Alexander Stirling Calder portrays life as a dance that starts with playful exuberance and continues with experiences both pleasant and painful. It is not up to the dancer to decide how to dance, or even whether to dance. While every person is the protagonist in their own play, the script is continuously being written by others.
This design by Alexander Stirling Calder was chosen as the 17th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series. It measures 73mm in diameter. Struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York, the reported production quantity of this medal is 891 pieces in bronze and 100 in silver.
References: MACo 1930-001-017, Marqusee 101, SoM 17