102941 | UNITED STATES & ITALY. Carnegie Hero Fund (Italy) bronze award Medal.

102941  |  UNITED STATES & ITALY. Carnegie Hero Fund (Italy) bronze award Medal. Issued 1913. Presented by the Italian chapter (59mm, 84.88 g, 12h). By Marcelle Renée Lancelot-Croce at the Italian Royal mint in Rome.

 

Bust of Andrew Carnegie facing slightly right in frock coat; around, six vignettes with various acts of heroism; in two lines in exergue, FONDAZIONE / CARNEGIE // "VEDI QUANTA VIRTÙ L'HA FATTO DEGNO / DI REVERENZA..." (see just how much virtue made him worthy of reverence, —adapted from Dante's Paradise, Book 6), female figure standing facing, head lowered left, holding laurel branches and embracing shrouded women who holds an infant close by; fallen body on stretcher behind to right. Edge: Plain.

 

Choice Mint State. Deep glossy brown surfaces, with a charming matte nature.

 

The Scottish-American steel magnate and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, created the Carnegie Hero Fund in 1904 to honor and recognize citizens who performed acts of heroism and bravery in the United States. A few years later, he created a similar fund for other countries in Europe to serve a similar purpose. This piece, designed by the female artist Marcelle Renée Lancelot-Croce, displays a charming Neoclassical-inspired reverse and an obverse that has a nod to Art Nouveau with the use of floral adornments separating the vignettes.

 

Upload: 15 November 2024.