This plaster cast is the original plaster model for the obverse of the Academy of Natural Sciences Gold Medal for Distinction in Natural History Art. The medal was originally designed by David Bonner and Donald Patterson of the Franklin Mint. The original plaster for the reverse of the medal was never returned to the Academy by the Franklin Mint. The award was to be given to a person whose artistic endeavors and life's work have contributed to mankind's better understanding and appreciation of living things. The award was given out periodically and was established in 1980. The silver casts of the medal were given out at the Women's Committee Wildlife Exposition. Recipients of the award: 1980 Roger Tory Peterson; 1981 Ansel Adams 1982 Sir Peter Scott 1983 Eliot Porter 1984 Peter Matthiessen

The medal depicts a prancing unicorn with avian wings and a fishlike tail. This mythical beast, symbolizing the creatures of land, sea, and sky, is balanced by a flower-covered bough to represent the plant kingdom. The mineral world is reflected by the gold of the medal itself. On the reverse, a selection of artists tools will appear in high relief.The unified design of the visual images appearing on the medal suggests the interrelationship between science and art that the Academy intends to recognize through the annual presentation of this award.