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Soldier Or Hessian Whirlgig

Creator: American School
Offered by: Allan Katz Americana

Description
American. Unidentified maker. Probably Pennsylvania.

This very early, highly sculptural whirligig displays an excellent original patina. The unusual mixed-media technique combines to form a stark and beautiful example of early American folk art. Whirligigs have been used for centuries. William Shakespeare in “Twelfth Night” uses a whirligig as a metaphor for “What goes around, comes around.” They were made as toys, and the American version probably originated with the very early immigrant population from the United Kingdom.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, Pennsylvania
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Carved and polychrome-painted wood with metallic foil appliqués and sheet-metal broadax (paddle).
Condition:	Good. One paddle termination is missing.
Creation Date:	Circa 1820.
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	102161

Dimensions

H.	20 in;
H.	50.8 cm;

Message from Seller:

A passionate collector and a successful and respected dealer in early American advertising since 1973, Allan expanded this passion to include collecting period American folk art and Americana. He subsequently became a dealer in this material in 1985. Allan has earned a reputation, in both the dealer and collector communities, as being an authority in this subject matter, for having extensive knowledge, a keen eye for the material and a love for this exciting American art form.