Australian Embassy 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W Entrance Washington District of Columbia
Date:
1968-1969
Notes:
Smithsonian Institution Research Expeditions Volunteer Project, 1991.
Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, pg. 290.
Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, pg. H-15.
Thomas Bass / F. J. Lemon Founders/Melbourne, Australia signed Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary:
Relief images of a kangaroo and an emu flank a contemporary depiction of the Australian shield adorned with images which symbolize the history of Australia. The shield is divided into six sections and each section contains a symbol for one of the six states which make up the Commonwealth of Australia. In the upper left corner of the shield is St. George's Cross and a lion for New South Wales. Next to it in the center of the shield is Queen Victoria's crown to symbolize the British, and several stars to symbolize Australia's independence. In the upper right corner of the shield is a Maltese Cross for Queensland. In the lower left corner of the shield is a magpie, the native bird of South Australia. Next to it in the center of the shield is black swan for Western Australia. In the lower right corner of the shield is a lion for Tasmania. Above the shield is a relief of a seven-pointed star. The points represent the six states and the Northern Territory which make up Australia.
