Paul Fjelde

References:   MACo 1919-006

The medal's obverse bears head of of middle-aged, bearded Walt Whitman facing left. Around, OUT OF THE CRADLE ENDLESSLY ROCKING / 1819 WALT WHITMAN 1892; below truncation, P.©F.

The reverse bears singing thrush on flowering lilac. Below, Leaves of Grass / First Publication / 1855.

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse. His work was very controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sexuality.

This medal was chosen as the 54th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1956. It was the second SOM commemorative medal and it was less well received than the first one. Members seemed willing to tolerate an occasional commemorative medal but they were wary of a trend. As one member wrote:

"somewhat disappointed in that it is another commemorative as opposed to strictly artistic subject (abstract, allegorical, etc.)."

The circular medal measures 73mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and silver by the Medallic Art Company of New York. The reported mintage is 635 pieces in bronze. The number of silver pieces is not reported but the edition was limited to 700.

References:   MACo 1930-001-54, SoM 54

References:   MACo 1958-046-002