Donald Richard Miller (American, 1925-1989), Society of Medalists (76th Issue)

1967, commissioned bronze relief plaques, embossed signature and date in the casting, pentagonal bas relief plaques, including one featuring five fauna conforming to the overall pentagonal shape, the second with evergreen forest and Thoreau phrase IN THE WILDERNESS IS THE / PRESERVATION / OF THE WORLD.

11 3/4 x 12 1/4 x 1 in.

This was the first of Don Miller's medal commissions. He was invited to submit a design to the Society of Medalists annual competition. His proposal caused a stir at the time because the only form allowed was the traditional circle. Eventually accepted, it proved to be a unique addition to their August collection. The society immediately returned to the old style but, currently, all the styles of outlines are being used. The ones featured in this lot are larger versions of the 2 7/8 in. medals that are featured on page 37 of the limited edition catalog The Animal Art of DONALD RICHARD MILLER, by Harriet E. Phillips Press of Florida, New York.

Good estate condition; some minor surface spotting.