RARE! 1908 Marshal of France Gold Bas-Relief Plaque Galvano Medal, John Flanagan

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portraitof “A Marshal of france” Plaque galvano , 1908 . 133 x 89mm. (5¼” x 3½”). Gilt Copper (Bronze?).John Flanagan, Sc. (1865-1952). About Uncirculated, with minor gilt loss and/or high-point rubbing. Obverse: portrait bust of a man facing left, wearing military-style coat. Signed and date in the left field: JF · / · MCMVIII · . In a three-page article on the work of John Flanagan in the International Studio , 1922, Flanagan is enthusiastically praised for his mastery of low relief: “Flanagan has been called the foremost of American medalists, a title to which he objects since he has executed many groups, busts, statues, and other works in the round. But he plays so skilfully with all the delicate resources of relief, blending so admirably the boldness of high-lights with the modesty of shadows that these exquisite creations delight and captivate the observer and amaze one at the perfection of his workmanship.” This plaque is listed (with image) in the Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Contemporary Medals, American Numismatic Society , 1910, pg. 94, No.8 (reduction) and is identified as “A Portrait of a Man.” A photograph of the plaster model/sketch is also found in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where it is identified on a mounted label as: “J. Flanagan. Portrait plaquette – a marshal of France. New York, Collection of John Flanagan. 1908.” Copies of both the article from the Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Contemporary Medals and the International Studio are included with the plaque. See listed excerpts. Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. John Flanagan (1865-1952) was one of Saint-Gaudens’ studio assistants from 1885 to 1890, where he worked on diverse projects from the Lincoln Monument to the George Washington Inaugural Centennial Medal. Like many of Saint-Gaudens assistants, Flanagan attended classes at the Art Students League before leaving for Paris in 1890 to study at the École des Beaux Arts . At the beginning of his twelve-year stay in the City of Lights , Flanagan assisted in MacMonnies' studio for a while, working mostly on MacMonnies' large nautical-themed sculptural group for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago . He settled in New York in 1902 after living abroad for twelve years and was particularly distinguished for his medals and low-relief portraits. Flanagan commenced a portrait of Saint-Gaudens in 1905, modeling it from life in Cornish. At the time Saint-Gaudens was gravely ill, yet Flanagan portrayed the sculptor as a vital and energetic presence. The model was unfinished at the time of Saint-Gaudens’ death in 1907, and was not resumed until 1920. In 1937, Flanagan paid honor to Saint-Gaudens again with a medallic portrait plaque and offered Daniel Chester French a portrait on the occasion of his 69 th birthday in 1919. It was also Flanagan who designed the " Washington " quarter replacing MacNeil's "Standing Liberty" quarter; Flanagan's design was introduced in 1932 and still is in use today. Flanagan produced no sculpture for New York City , but is perhaps the most accomplished medalist of the Saint-Gaudens circle. MacMonnies remarked about his skill: "I consider him the leading medalist in America, an artist of high rank and a craftsman of infinite sincerity and devotion to his work”. Please check my other listings. I have a large collection of bronze bas-reliefs, plaques, medallions, and medals that I will be listing this month by the following sculptors: Chester Beach, Victor D. Brenner, Anthony de Francisci, John Flanagan, James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser, Daniel Chester French, Henry Hering, Anna Vaughan Hyatt-Huntington, Charles Keck, Julio Kilenyi, Frederick MacMonnies, Hermon A. MacNeil, Paul Manship, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Louis St. Gaudens, and many others, including prominent French sculptors/engravers! Payment: I only accept PayPal at this time. Please make payment within three-days of auction ending. ... read more

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