Artist Name

You can click medals to switch between obverse and reverse sides.

• The Prodigal Son 1988

  by Leonda Finke

  

  SOM-117.1

  Golden bronze with tan patina

  This design by Finke was chosen as the 117th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series.

  Its obverse bears nude couple at left with backs to viewer; angry youth storming off at right.

  The reverse bears returned prodigal son at center being embraced by parents; flowers to left and right. At lower right, signed LEONDA F FINKE

  Leonda Finke used her own experiences, both as a child and as a mother, to create a medal that had meaning. While previously the majority of her body of work had been sculptural and dealing with the female form, she wrote in the brochure accompanying this medal:

  "Only recently have I begun to explore the art of the medal. The Prodigal need not relate only to the son. Our deepest life experiences are not necessarily gender oriented. I was a prodigal daughter in my own youthful rebellion and struggle for independence. Today I also appreciate the other side of the relationship as a parent of adult children who fled and returned—each in a different way."

  The medal measures 73mm x 70mm and was produced by the Medallic Art Company. The edition was limited to 2,500 pieces in bronze but the actual mintage is not known.

  SOM-117.1

  Bronze

  73.0mm x 70.0mm (2.87in x 2.76in)

  Golden bronze with tan patina

  SOM 117 1988 LEONDA FINKE LTD EDITION 2500 MACO BRONZE

  Last modified: 17 Jul 2015