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Ford Motor Company Anniversary Medal (obverse)

Exquisite bronze Ford Anniversary Medal by Anthony de Francisci. Classical portraiture of Ford family, intricate relief & deep black background. A timeless piece celebrating automotive legacy.

Sculptor Anthony de Francisci (1887-1964) designed the iconic Peace Dollar & medals, blending classical style with American spirit. Explore his art!

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Total Price

$ 313

reproduction

Ford Motor Company Anniversary Medal (obverse)

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 313

Quick Facts

  • Notable elements or techniques: Lost wax casting, high relief
  • Year: 1955
  • Artistic style: Classical portraiture, realism
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Title: Ford Motor Company Anniversary Medal (obverse)

Artwork Description

A Legacy in Bronze: The Ford Motor Company Anniversary Medal

In the realm of commemorative numismatics, few pieces capture the essence of industrial lineage as poignantly as the 1955 Ford Motor Company Anniversary Medal. Created by the master sculptor Anthony de Francisci, this bronze medallion serves as more than a mere historical marker; it is a profound sculptural narrative of family and continuity. The obverse presents a breathtaking arrangement of three generations: Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, and Henry Ford II. Through the meticulous application of high relief, de Francisci breathes life into the metal, allowing the overlapping profiles to emerge from a deep, velvety darkness. The composition is a masterclass in classical portraiture, where the interplay of light and shadow across the bronze surfaces creates an almost tactile experience, inviting the viewer to trace the contours of a dynasty that reshaped the modern world.

The technical brilliance of this piece lies in its execution through what appears to be the lost wax casting process, a method that allows for unparalleled precision. Every strand of hair and every subtle furrow of a brow is rendered with sharp, decisive lines that lend the work a three-dimensional vitality. The texture of the medallion oscillates between smooth, polished planes that catch the light with golden brilliance and deeply recessed shadows that provide structural depth. This dramatic contrast—the luminous bronze against an obsidian background—ensures that the subjects do not merely sit upon the surface but command the space within it. For the discerning collector or interior designer, such a piece offers a sophisticated focal point, bringing a sense of weight, permanence, and classical elegance to any curated collection.

Beyond its technical mastery, the medal is steeped in profound symbolism. The choice of bronze, a material synonymous with endurance and strength, mirrors the industrial fortitude of the Ford Motor Company itself. By intertwining the portraits of the three men, de Francisci transcends simple biography to create an icon of legacy and succession. It is a visual representation of the passage of time and the preservation of vision across generations. To possess or display a reproduction of this work is to engage with a piece of history that celebrates the triumph of human ingenuity and the unbreakable bonds of heritage. It remains an evocative masterpiece, offering an emotional resonance that speaks to anyone moved by the intersection of art, industry, and the enduring spirit of achievement.


Artist Biography

Early Life and Training

  • Born: Palermo, Italy (July 13, 1887)
  • Died: August 20, 1964
Anthony de Francisci was an Italian-American sculptor best known for his impactful designs on United States coins and medals. He immigrated to the United States in 1905, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1913. His early years were marked by assisting his father, a marble cutter, providing him with foundational skills. He studied sculpture at Cooper Union in New York City, where he received instruction from prominent coin designers such as James Earle Fraser, Hermon MacNeil, and Adolph A. Weinman. This mentorship proved crucial to his later success in numismatic design. His work reflects a classical style influenced by the sculptors he studied under.

The Peace Dollar and Numismatic Recognition

  • The Competition: In 1921, de Francisci won a competition held by the Commission of Fine Arts to design a new silver dollar.
  • Design Inspiration: The portrait on the Peace Dollar is based on his wife, Mary Teresa Cafarelli, though he described it as a "composite" face representing “something of America.” He aimed to convey the nation's intellectual vigor and vitality in the design.
  • Immediate Impact: The success of the Peace Dollar significantly elevated de Francisci’s reputation.
  • Other Numismatic Works: He also designed the 1920 Maine Centennial commemorative half dollar.
The Peace Dollar remains his most celebrated achievement, a testament to his ability to blend artistic skill with numismatic principles. The design's immediate impact propelled him to new heights in his career.

Beyond Coins: Sculpture and Medallic Art

  • World War II Service Button: De Francisci designed the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button, commonly known as the "ruptured duck."
  • Sesquicentennial Flagpole Reliefs: He created bronze high reliefs for the drum base of the Sesquicentennial flagpole in Union Square, New York City.
  • Abraham Lincoln Admiration: De Francisci held a deep admiration for Abraham Lincoln, reflected in several personal works.
  • 1964/1965 New York World's Fair Medal: He designed the inaugural medal for this significant event.
De Francisci’s artistic talents extended beyond coin design, encompassing various sculptural and medallic projects that showcased his versatility and skill.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Anthony de Francisci’s contributions to American art, particularly his design of the Peace Dollar, have secured his place in history. His ability to blend artistic skill with numismatic principles resulted in a coin that is both aesthetically pleasing and historically significant. De Francisci's work demonstrates the power of sculpture to capture national identity and commemorate important events. He remains an influential figure in American art and numismatics, remembered for his impactful designs and lasting legacy.
Anthony de Francisci

Anthony de Francisci

1887 - 1964 , Italy

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Classical style
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • James Earle Fraser
    • Hermon MacNeil
    • Adolph A. Weinman
  • Date Of Birth: July 13, 1887
  • Date Of Death: August 20, 1964
  • Full Name: Anthony de Francisci
  • Nationality: Italian-American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Peace Dollar
    • Maine Centennial half dollar
    • World War II Service Button
  • Place Of Birth: Palermo, Italy
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