372, Lot: 641. Estimate $300. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. |
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UNITED STATES. Æ Medal (73mm, 211.2 g, 12h).
Hail to Dionysus. By P. Manship. Struck
1930. HAIL • TO • DIONYSUS • WHO • FIRST • DISCOVERED • / • THE • MAGIC • OF • THE • GRAPE •, head of Dionynus facing slightly left, wearing wreath of grape leaves and grape bunches / Youthful satyrs trampling grapes; large grape bunch to left and right. Alexander 2. EF, rub on satyr’s legs.
This is the second issue of the Society of Medalists series (founded in 1928 and active from 1930-1995), and much sought after today as a collectible work of Paul Manship. Its design triggered considerable uproar in a country still officially enforcing Prohibition, as the mischievous artist no doubt satirizes.