Genevieve Karr Hamlin

The obverse bears allegorical winged female figure with spread arms holding victor's crown and branch, standing on pedestal; two women to left and right displaying objects to her. Around, BEAUTY - VIGOR - PURPOSE; signed in lower right quadrant, © 19 (GH monogram in triangle) 26

The reverse bears burning torch over gear, scales, and crossed pen and brush. Around, EXPOSITION OF WOMEN'S ARTS AND INDUSTRIES

The edge is marked MEDALLIC ART CO.N.Y.

The Exposition of Women's Arts and Industries seems to have been an event that started in the late 1910s or early 1920s (the seventh exposition took place in 1928) to provide female artists and designers a venue to display their creations without being crowded out by their male counterparts.

The medal measures 57mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York. The mintage is not reported.

The relief plaque bears portrait of Arturo Toscanini facing left. Signed and dated over right shoulder, 19 (GH triangle monogram) 34 / © / G. K. HAMLIN

Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) was an Italian conductor. He was one of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 19th and of the 20th century, renowned for his intensity, his perfectionism, his ear for orchestral detail and sonority, and his photographic memory. He became an American household name through his engagements at the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and, last but not least, the NBC Symphony Orchestra.

Karr succeeded in capturing Toscanini's focus and intensity in this portrait.

The roughly circular plaque measures 258mm (~10"). It is not reported how many relief plaques were produced.