An artist will often use many images of a similar design to what he is creating, as exemplified by this Norman Rockwell self portraitpainting.

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:

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 hisinterpretation 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 SelmaBurke'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 wererequired, 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'sBuffalo 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:

Burke's claim is groundless.

Roger Burdette adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
VAN RYZIN ON SELMA BURKE AND JOHN SINNOCK (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n04a16.html)