MICO KAUFMAN (1924-2016)

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE

V20 2017 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 20, Number 1, January 2, 2017, Article 10

Dick Johnson submitted these thoughts on the recent passing of medallist and sculptor Mico Kaufman. Thanks. -Editor

The first sentence of his book review published in E-Sylum recently holds true today: Collectors of Presidential Inaugural Medals will recognize the name Mico Kaufman. The sculptor-medallist died December 10, 2016. He had written his autobiography which he self published 27 March 2016.

Mico Kaufman’s life parallels that of another artist, Marcel Jovine. Both had a difficult life before and after immigrating to America. Both were sculptors who took up creating medals late in life. Both rapidly rose to the top of this sculpture specialty of numismatic interest.

Much what I wrote on the life of Mico – in that book review April 17, 2016 (volume 19, number 16, article 3) -- could be repeated here. I will only say that Mico was a consummate professional medallist. I knew him will professionally.

I recall visiting him at his home in Tewkesbury, Mass. years ago in the company of my wife and Donald Scarinci. Our intent was to tape record him on his medallic endeavors. He was so excited it was difficult to guide the dialog, he kept jumping from one subject to the next. His book, A Chiseller’s Story, was similar following his biographical account.

What stands out in mind from our visit was the cabinets he had build in his basement where he displayed all his medals as well as those small sculptures and models of his creation. Fortunately, his local newspaper, the Lowell Sun, had previously filmed Mico showing these creations. I had not seen that when I wrote his book review but I strongly recommend readers view this article and slideshow at:
www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_30659558/sculptor-mico-kaufman-passes-away

His last medal I am aware of was in 1983, as he turned to a new sculpture media, melted plastic. I wanted to commission him to do a medal after this but his fee he quoted had risen far above $5,000 for a pair of models. I don’t disagree his fee was worth it. However by then he had created 309 medals, 17 monuments, plus numerous other sculptures. His artistic interests had moved on.

I cherish the memories I had in my contact with Mico over the years. I will miss his quiet demeanor and viewing his magnificent medallic creations.

Here's an excerpt from the Lowell Sun article. -Editor

A prolific artist whose work ranged from statues as high as 20 feet tall to handheld pieces, Kaufman was recognized for his skilled crafting on numerous occasions. He was listed in "Who's Who in American Art?" from 1970 through this year, and received honors from the National Society of Literature and Art and the James McNeill Whistler House Distinguished Artist Award.

Kaufman was the only sculptor to receive commissions to design four inaugural medals: Gerald Ford's vice presidential and presidential medals; Ronald Reagan's presidential medal, which Reagan sat for with Kaufman; and George H.W. Bush's presidential medal.

His sculptures are included in public collections in the U.S., England and Greece, as well as many private collections across four continents.

Kaufman was born in 1924 in Buzau, Romania, and survived forced labor during World War II. He studied sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and immigrated to the U.S. in 1951, becoming a citizen in 1956.