No Words bronze medal for Millennium by Jane McAdam Freud for BAMS, 2002. A chrysanthemum open and closed. The Medal 41, edition of 41 only. Original white-blue patina as issued 97mm.
The artist wrote: ‘I have made No Words as part of a new series, in response to recent world events. The medal remains a fitting medium for comment. This medal shows the chrysanthemum in its open form on one side and its closed form on the other. The rim is marked with the date 2001. The open flower symbolises the hopes and dreams with which we approach something new – particularly a new beginning such as the new millennium. The closed flower serves to express the fear and protectiveness that ensues after any tragedy – all the world tragedies of 2001, including September 11. I have tried to make this medal precious and jewel-like to hold, much like a flower is to see. It is patinated white to portray the purity of hope and innocence in contrast with the ghostliness of haunting events.’