The medal's obverse bears portrait of Joseph Pennel, facing right. Around top, JOSEPH · PENNELL; signed and dated at right, SEPTE (JF monogram) MBER / MCMXIX
The reverse bears a coat of arms surrounded by belt with Philadelphia Water Color Club written on it. Around, IOSEPH · PENNELL · MEMORIAL · MEDAL
In the autumn of 1900, a group of dedicated painters founded the Philadelphia Water Color Club to raise the esteem of watercolor in the art world. At the time, oils and sculpture tended to dominate art exhibitions. Over the decades, the club developed a distinguished collection of works by such greats as Maxfield Parrish, John Singer Sargent, and Pablo Picasso. In 2000 the club changed its name to "Philadelphia Water Color Society" to reflect its changed nature and scope.
Joseph Pennell was a native Philadelphia artist who created many etchings and posters. He is probably best-known for having created the poster for the fourth Liberty Loans campaign in 1918. It shows New York City's harbor under heavy bombardment with the Statue of Liberty partly destroyed.
The circular medal measures 76mm in diameter and was first manufactured by the U.S. Mint. In 1949 it turned the dies over to the Medallic Art Company of New York and later medals were struck there. No mintages are reported.
References: Baxter 159, MACo 1949-008