Minerva

The medal's obverse bears helmeted head of Minerva (r.) within assymetrical beaded border. Signed below Minerva's chin, (RA monogram).

The reverse bears an arm aiming a bow and arrow upward through the clouds. Above and below arm, ARTES / AD ASTRA (The arts towards the stars).

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

This award was established by famous architect Cass Gilbert to be awarded by the Council of the National Academy to persons here or abroad who have made significant contributions to the advacement of the arts. Aitken designed the medal in 1929 but by 1975, the Academy's 150th anniversary, it had only been awarded seven times.

The medal measures 56.7mm (2.25") in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.