Karl Gruppe

The obverse bears recessed center field with female holding Greek temple fragment in consideration before rays. Around inner edge of center field, MEDAL OF HONOR. In outer ring, painter's palette, hammer and chisel, oil lamp, and top of Ionic column.

The reverse bears banner with dedication over laurels. Above and below, THE / NATIONAL / ARTS / CLUB; signed in lower right quadrant, (KG monogram)

The edge is marked MEDALLIC ART CO.NY

The National Arts Club was founded in 1898 by author and poet Charles De Kay, the literary and art critic for The New York Times. He together with a group of distinguished artists and patrons conceived of a gathering place to welcome artists of all genres as well as art lovers and patrons. In 1906, when the Club outgrew that location, Spencer Trask, a financier, philanthropist and NAC Governor, helped the Club acquire the historic Samuel Tilden Mansion as its new home. The Club still resides at that property which has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1976.

The circular medal measures roughly 62mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and gold-plated bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintages are reported.

The obverse bears Perle Mesta's bust facing half-left. Above, PATRIOT DIPLOMAT PHILANTHROPIST; to left, PERLE MESTA; to right, KG monogram.

The reverse bears the seal of the state of Oklahoma. Above, OKLAHOMA'S AMBASSADOR / TO THE WORLD; around seal, GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA - 1907; below, APRIL 22 / 1965.

Perle Reid Mesta (née Skirvin) (October 12, 1889 – March 16, 1975) was an American socialite, political hostess, and U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg (1949–1953). Mesta was known as the "hostess with the mostest" for her lavish parties featuring the brightest stars of Washington, D.C., society, including artists, entertainers and many top-level national political figures.