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DICK JOHNSON ON ARTIST INSPIRATIONSDick Johnson submitted these thoughts on medal artists and the inspiration for their work. Thanks. -Editor
 An artist will often use many images of a similar design to what he is creating, as exemplified by this Norman Rockwell self portrait painting. PUTTING AN END TO SELMA BURKE’S ROOSEVELT DIME CLAIM Bob Van Ryzin is riding what should be a dead issue in the Selma Burke –John Sinnock controversy. It could be settled with his acceptance of a single statement: he uses as inspiration for a new design. When commissioned to prepare a new coin or medal, an artist will research images which have been published before on the same subject. His goal is NOT to copy a previous image, but to create his interpretation of the subject, often to give it a modern, realistic or artistic likeness. John Sinnock created his image by making his design of Franklin Roosevelt fit nicely in the circular format, with a more realistic and attractive portrait. The fact of its similarity to Selma Burke’s is purely coincidental. Even if Sinnock had a photo or drawing of Burke’s Roosevelt portrait pinned to his dawning board or in front of him when he models the image, he is not mandated to credit Burke. If this were required, every coin and medal design would have multiple credits, some by dozens of previous sources. An artist can reveal whatever he chooses. If it is a close resemblance, he can state the design is ‘after’ a particular artist. He can identify his model – as the name of the bison of Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel – or not. Most often an artist remains silent of any of image sources. There is irrefutable truth in comparing the two portraits of Burke and Sinnock. The author of the Richard’s Roosevelt Dime article quoted in last week’s E-Sylum said it best: In general, Burke's profiles of Roosevelt are similar to that found on the dime. They face left, have the same angle of cut on the neck [truncation], and certainly look like Roosevelt. They are, however, not exactly the same. Burke's drawing of Roosevelt is different in that it portrays a younger looking man than found on the dime. It is also different in that her drawing does not portray Roosevelt directly from the side. Burke's drawing allows the viewer to see a few of the right side features of Roosevelt's face in addition to the left side details. The bas relief sculpture of Roosevelt also seems to be proportionately different, although close in detail to that of the dime. Burke’s claim is groundless.  Roger Burdette adds: The Selma Burke claim is completely without merit. I've researched the FDR dime and evolution of the design. Nothing suggests even the slightest involvement of Ms. Burke or her drawing/bas relief, etc. To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE BOOK BAZARREWayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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