This medal was chosen as the 105th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1982. The medal's obverse bears Pan playing pipes over a skull. Around, INGENITA LEVITAS (levity is inborn); below, signature JC in a square. The reverse bears a man holding a mirror or mask. Around, ET ERUDITA VANITAS (and vanity is learned); below signature JC in a square.
In the 1980's Cook was slowly drifting towards darker subject matter and the skull on this medal is a precursor of things to come. By 1987 his FIDEM catalog entry stated that "his works represent an exploration into various images and manifestations of death."
In 1982 he was still transitioning and wrote in the medal's brochure:
"This brief couplet from Cicero's Pro Flacco presents a profound opposition of the dionysian and appollonian aspects of man's nature. Being deeply moved both by the wit and the simple beauty employed in the fusing together of thse diverse elements, I have tried in sculptural terms to achieve a like coupling."
The medal measures 73mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury, Connecticut. The reported mintage is 750 pieces in bronze.
The obverse bears a a sun-like face surrounded by hair or sun rays.
The reverse bears same face full right surrounded by three concentric circles of inscription: FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE LA MEDAILLE / DELEGATION DES ETATS-UNIS A FIORENCE / XIXEME CONGRES INTERNATIONAL.
The obverse of this medal is a reprise of a design from 1982 called "LOUIS XIV" depicting the self-annointed sun-king. That earlier medal was cast in an edition of just 4 and had a diameter of 88mm.
This medal was issued in two versions, both with a diameter of 57mm. The more common version is bronze and bears the edge ©1983 MEDALLIC ART CO. - DANBURY, CT. - BRONZE. The less common version is silver-plated and bears the edge ©1983 MEDALLIC ART CO. - DANBURY, CT. - BRONZE / SILVER PLATE / DONORS.
This uniface amulet bears Michelangelo's head facing left and away. It was issued in 1984 in an edition of just 4 and has a size of 63mm x 65mm.
This was the 14th of the prestigious Brookgreen Gardens member medals, issued in 1986.
The obverse bears centaur with carving tools. Around, BROOKGREEN GARDENS
The reverse bears four flute-playing centaurs riding left on dark-patinated upper field; beneath their hooves, SOUTH CAROLINA. Lower field showing incuse reflection of upper field with reverse patination.
The medal measures 76mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company.
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