Horse Weathervane Made of Sheet Bronze with Iron Fittings

Origin

United States, Pennsylvania

Period

19th Century

Materials

Sheet bronze

Dimensions

W.	26 in;	H.	18 in;	D.	5.5 in;
W.	66.04 cm;	H.	45.72 cm;	D.	13.97 cm;

Condition

Fair. Loss from rust at the point where the shaft of a metal post joined the horse along the arrow. The clasp on the reverse was replaced for structural sturdiness at some point in its history.

Creation Date

1840-1860

Description

HORSE WEATHERVANE MADE OF SHEET BRONZE WITH IRON FITTINGS AND SUPERB FOLK QUALITY, CA 1840-60:

Sheet bronze horse weathervane with beautiful form that borders on a masterpiece level of folk quality. Note how the curvature of the dipped head complements the arch of the tail and how the two raised hooves add movement to this otherwise two-dimensional object. The circular profile is particularly gutsy at the back of the barbed arrow, the jagged form of which mimics the shape found in the ears, mane and tail.

The quality of the early green verdigris surface is fittingly equal to the form, scoring a solid 10-out-of 10.

This homemade vane was found in New England, was probably made there, and dates to the period between 1840 and 1860.

Styles / Movements

Americana, Folk Art

Incollect Reference Number

241970