The John E. Marqusee Collection

References:   MACo 1936-027, Marqusee 411

The obverse bears "High Iron" workers on a steel beam dangling from a crane. To left, RIGGERS; on steel beam circled MY monogram.

The reverse bears two steel workers riveting a vertical beam while a third heats the rivets. Below, RIVETERS, signed MAHONRI YOUNG / ©.

Young had been sketching and modeling laborers and workers since his early days in Paris. The unsentimental depiction of manual labor was one of his passions, so it should not have surprised anyone that he chose constructions workers as the subject of his Society of Medalists contribution. He modeled no fewer than three designs for selection by the committee.He had observed the transformation of New York from old brownstone houses to skyscrapers when he lived in New York City in 1912.

This medal was chosen as the 30th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1944. It measures 73mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company of New York. Its reported production quantity is 713 pieces in bronze.

References:   MACo 1930-001-030, Marqusee 413,414, SoM 30

The obverse bears "High Iron" workers on a steel beam dangling from a crane. To left, RIGGERS; on steel beam circled MY monogram.

The reverse bears two steel workers riveting a vertical beam while a third heats the rivets. Below, RIVETERS, signed MAHONRI YOUNG / ©.

Young had been sketching and modeling laborers and workers since his early days in Paris. The unsentimental depiction of manual labor was one of his passions, so it should not have surprised anyone that he chose constructions workers as the subject of his Society of Medalists contribution. He modeled no fewer than three designs for selection by the committee.He had observed the transformation of New York from old brownstone houses to skyscrapers when he lived in New York City in 1912.

This medal was chosen as the 30th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1944. It measures 73mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company of New York. Its reported production quantity is 713 pieces in bronze.

References:   MACo 1930-001-030, Marqusee 413,414, SoM 30

The medal's obverse bears youthful male figure with outstretched arms, standing on two outcroppings labeled 1833 and 1933 respectively. To his left, branch with leaves above RESEARCH; to his right, rectilinear design above INDUSTRY; signed at right, ERZ

The reverse bears an aerial view of the fair grounds. Around, - 1933 - A - CENTURY - OF - PROGRESS - INTERNATIONAL - EXPOSITION - CHICAGO; signed at left, ZETTLER

As the artist wrote in the pamphlet accompanying the medal:

"The youthful figure of strength, energy and action represents the intellectual arch between natures's resources and man's work. From research and invention have come the great achievements of the century, 1833-1933. The extended arms of the figure praise the work of Science and Industry and their great benefits to humanity."

This is a beautiful example of both art deco and machine age symbolism. As the U.S. was struggling to leave the Great Depression, belief in science and technology was at an all-time high and the Century of Progress Exposition was a way to celebrate this "scientific optimism."  Those were the endeavors that would make life better for everyone.  Unfortunately, the horror of World War II that was only six years in the future would illustrate the other uses of research and industry.

The medal was struck in different sizes. The large size is the official souvenir medal whereas the smaller sized "so-called dollar" HK-463 is the official medal. No mintages are reported.

References:   Marqusee 415