The medallion's obverse bears bust of Gallatin facing right.
The reverse bears dedication in large letters, ALBERT GALLATIN / from / his friend / Paul Manship / March / 1955
Albert Gallatin (1881-1952) was an American collector, painter, and critic who founded the Gallery of Living Art at New York University in 1927. Nine years later he renamed his institution the Museum of Living Art. The Gallery of Living Art was one of the first in America to display works by contemporary European artists such as Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger. In 1937, Gallatin became a member of the American Abstract Artists Group, which encouraged American artists to "break the rules" as European modernists had done.
Gallatin and Manship both had strong ties to New York City and Massachusetts, so it is not surprising that they knew each other well. Though Manship was a strong and lifelong traditionalist in his work, he obviously admired Gallatin and his passion for modern art. The inscription on the reverse reflects the tradition of artists dedicating works to one another out of friendship and professional respect.
The circular medallion measures 92.5mm in diameter and was cast in bronze. No mintage is reported.