Artist Name

You can click on the medals to see the reverse.

• Laughter and Tears 1979

  by Linda Harper

  

  SOM-100.1

  Golden bronze with light tan patina

  

  SOM-100.2

  Silver

  This design by Harper was chosen as the 100th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series.

  The obverse bears three views of a clown's face, neutral, laughing and smiling. Above, LAUGHTER; below, MUSIC FROM THE HEART

  The reverse also bears three views of a clown's face, but this time turned away, weeping, and frowning. Above, TEARS; below, PURIFY THE SOUL

  This was Linda Harper's first medallic work. She had previously only been (well-)known for her portraits which can be found in collections in California and Hawaii.

  She wrote in the brochure that accompanied the medal:

  "It is my sincere hope that just as the clown turns from tears to laughter as you rotate the medal, so, in god's wisdom, no matter what your problems today, time will heal all and bring about the realization of life's joy."

  This medal is one of three that have the clown as their subject. Both Jean de Marco and Dexter Jones also chose the clown for their designs.

  The medal measures 73mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury, Connecticut. Its reported production quantity is 750 in bronze and 200 in silver.

  SOM-100.1

  Bronze

  73.0mm (2.87in)

  Golden bronze with light tan patina

  THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS, 100TH ISSUE OCTOBER 1979, LINDA HARPER, SC. (C)

  (C) 1979 MEDALLIC ART CO., DANBURY, CT.-BRONZE

  SOM-100.2

  Silver

  50.0mm (1.97in)

  THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS 100TH ISSUE OCTOBER 1979, LINDA HARPER, SC.(C)

  Last modified: 17 Jul 2015