Medals Related to Bisons

Description

The obverse bears image of powerful buffalo with lowered head. Below, MONARCH OF THE PLAINS; at left edge, 1934; at right edge © / Ruth W Brooks.

The reverse bears large panel of text. At top, THE FIRST DESCRIPTION OF / THE AMERICAN BUFFALO; below, lengthy quote in Spanish; at bottom, © As written in 1542 by (signature) Alvar Nunez Cabeza da Vaca - (RB monogram).

Edge marked with MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y. / BRONZE.

Ruth Brooks was involved with the "American Bison Monument" project in 1934 and 1935. Her design for the medal's obverse probably reflects that project but I could not find any details. I don't know whether she submitted a design and was not selected or whether she worked on it in some capacity. Your assistance in tracking down more information would be very welcome.

This medal measures 85mm x 60mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.

References: MACo 1934-014

Medal Details

This section contains a table of detailed medal information. Currently, I am not aware of any variants of this medal. Please notify me if you come across any or if you find incorrect or missing information.

material	Bronze
edge6	MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y. / BRONZE.
dimensions	85mm x 60mm
mintage	unknown

Last modified: Oct 26, 2017 16:38

Description

This medal's obverse bears Bison facing left. Above and below, SOCIETY OF / ILLUSTRATORS; signed with combined (CF monogram)

The reverse bears deeply incuse SI in raised field above panel inscribed with recipient's name: BOB GUCCIONE / ILLUSTRATORS 28

The Bison shown on the face of this medal is adapted from the wall painting in the cave of the Font-de-Gaume at Les Eyzies in Southern France and was one of man's earlier art efforts. The species of Bison, now almost extinct, differs somewhat from the North American form, with a rather small head and not so much fur over the head, neck and shoulders.

The medal was awarded to Bob Guccione, the founder of Penthouse Magazine, and a painter and illustrator. While he is best known for founding Penthouse Magazine, he originally only started the magazine to subsidize his career as a well-respected visual artist.

The circular medal which was designed by Robert Foster and sculpted by Mario Cooper measures 76mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company.

Many thanks to Richard Berenson, a past president of the Society iof Illustrators, who sent me most of the information about this medal.

Medal Details

material	Bronze
edge6	© 1984 MEDALLIC ART CO. - DANBURY, CT. - BRONZE
diameter	76mm
mintage	unknown

Last modified: Oct 26, 2017 16:54